A recent study conducted by automotive research firm iSeeCars has revealed some concerning findings about the safety of Tesla vehicles. According to the study, Tesla ranks at the top of the list of automakers with the most frequent occupant fatalities. Specifically, both the Tesla Model Y and Model S have been identified as several times more susceptible to fatal accidents than the average car or SUV on the road.
Despite the fact that Teslas have top crash safety ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the study points to a growing issue of distracted driving as a significant factor in these fatal accidents. The advancements in engineering and chassis designs have made cars structurally safer than ever before, with standard safety features such as multiple airbags and advanced cameras and sensors that can monitor surroundings and intervene in emergencies.
The iSeeCars report analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, focusing on model year 2018-2022 cars involved in crashes resulting in at least one occupant fatality. The results showed that the Tesla Model Y has a fatal accident rate of more than three times the average car, while the Model S is twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
While Tesla vehicles are built to be among the safest cars on the road in terms of crash structures and design, the study highlights a concerning trend of distracted driving leading to higher rates of accidents and fatalities. Tesla’s advanced driver assistance systems, such as Autopilot and Full-Self Driving, are currently under investigation by the NHTSA for their potential links to crashes and fatalities.
The study also pointed out that misleading labels like “Full-Self Driving,” touchscreen-centric controls, and driver complacency have raised safety concerns. Despite the presence of infrared driver-monitoring cameras in Teslas and other cars with advanced driver assistance systems, they are not foolproof in preventing accidents caused by distracted driving.
The report concluded that driver behavior plays a significant role in occupant safety, with a focused, alert driver adhering to legal or prudent speeds being the most likely to arrive safely regardless of the vehicle they are driving. Ultimately, the study revealed that Tesla has the highest fatal accident rate of all car brands, followed by Kia, Buick, Dodge, and Hyundai.
In conclusion, while safety features in modern cars have significantly improved, the rise in distracted driving poses a significant challenge to ensuring the safety of occupants on the road. It is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and focused while behind the wheel to prevent accidents and fatalities.