Despite Tesla’s claims of producing the “safest cars on the road,” recent data from iSeeCars challenges this assertion, revealing that Tesla’s vehicles have the highest fatality rate among all car brands, based on an analysis of fatal crashes from 2017 to 2022 involving 2018-2022 models.
The study found that the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model Y ranked among the most dangerous cars on the road. Specifically, the Model S had a fatal accident rate 3.7 times higher than the average car and 4.8 times higher than the average SUV. Tesla’s overall fatality rate was recorded at 5.6 fatal crashes per billion miles traveled, which is higher than other manufacturers, including Kia, whose rate was 5.5 per billion miles.
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Tesla is known for its advanced driver-assist technologies, such as Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD), which the company claims to be cutting-edge safety features. However, the report raises concerns that these technologies may contribute to a false sense of security among drivers, potentially leading to complacency or distraction when manual control is required.
While modern vehicles, including Teslas, generally perform well in crash tests and have good safety ratings, the higher fatality rates are attributed to driver behavior and road conditions. In particular, Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD systems have faced scrutiny after accidents triggered investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Justice. Critics argue that these systems may create the illusion of full autonomy, leading drivers to misuse or over-rely on the technology.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has long promised that fully autonomous vehicles, such as the upcoming “Robotaxi”, will soon be a reality. However, the current data suggests that the road to full autonomy still faces significant challenges, as human error remains a key factor in road accidents, despite the presence of advanced safety features.
In conclusion, while Tesla’s vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technology, the company’s higher fatality rate underscores the importance of driver responsibility in ensuring road safety, especially with advanced driver-assist systems that still require human oversight.
