How Dangerous Are Teslas? The Truth Behind the Headlines
“Teslas are the safest cars on the road,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk boldly claimed on X (formerly Twitter) last year. It’s a statement that reflects Tesla’s self-assured branding, emphasizing cutting-edge engineering and advanced safety features. And to an extent, it holds water—Tesla vehicles often receive top safety ratings, including from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
But when you dig deeper into the numbers, another side of the story emerges. While Teslas often earn top safety ratings, a recent study from iSeeCars found that they’re involved in fatal crashes more frequently than many other vehicles. It makes you wonder—are Tesla’s safety claims truly holding up when it matters most?
At William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., our experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys will help you after a serious crash. Whether it involves advanced driver-assist technology or other factors, we’ll fight to secure the compensation you deserve and connect you with the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Fatal Accident Rates: The Sobering Statistics
Analyzing data from 2017 to 2022, iSeeCars found that Tesla models are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes. Among 2018 to 2022 vehicle models, the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model Y were identified as having some of the highest occupant fatality rates.
- The Tesla Model Y, a mid-size SUV, has a fatal accident rate 3.7 times higher than the average car and 4.8 times higher than the average SUV.
- The Tesla Model S, a luxury sedan, fares slightly better but still records a fatality rate twice that of the average car.
Even more striking is the fact that Tesla, as a brand, has the highest fatal accident rate overall—5.6 fatal accidents per billion miles traveled, narrowly surpassing Kia at 5.5.
This is particularly alarming given Tesla’s touted safety features, including the much-hyped Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) systems, which are designed to reduce human error.
The Paradox of Advanced Safety Features
Tesla’s big draw is its cutting-edge driver-assist tech. Autopilot can help keep you in your lane and adjust your speed, while FSD takes it up a notch, tackling city streets and more complicated driving. But here’s the catch—both systems need you to stay fully alert and ready to take over, something Tesla’s marketing doesn’t always make crystal clear.
Critics say calling these systems ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Full-Self Driving’ gives drivers the wrong idea—they start to believe their car can handle everything on its own. And that’s where things get dangerous. Some drivers get so confident they stop paying attention altogether, doing things like scrolling on their phones or, unbelievably, even taking naps while the car is moving.
The issue is so pervasive that both the NHTSA and the Department of Justice are investigating whether Tesla has misrepresented the reliability of these systems.
The Role of Driver Behavior and Conditions
Tesla’s elevated accident rates aren’t solely due to technology. According to Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars, many Teslas receive top marks in crash tests, proving they are structurally sound and well-engineered. So, what’s driving the high fatality numbers?
- Driver Behavior
Tesla’s vehicles attract tech-savvy, thrill-seeking drivers who may be more prone to risky behavior. The combination of high-performance electric motors and advanced driver-assist features can encourage speeding, overconfidence, and complacency. - Distracted Driving Epidemic
Across the board, distracted driving is on the rise, fueled by smartphone usage and in-car infotainment systems. Even the most advanced safety features can’t compensate for a distracted or inattentive driver. - High Speeds and Performance
Teslas are known for their lightning-fast acceleration, with some models going from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. While exhilarating, this level of performance can tempt drivers to push limits, leading to more severe motor vehicle accidents. - Urban Environments and Dense Traffic
Many Tesla owners live in cities where traffic density and complex driving conditions increase the likelihood of collisions. Autopilot and FSD struggle most in these environments, where quick human judgment is often needed.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Lawsuits
The safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s technology have not gone unnoticed. Regulatory bodies and consumer advocates are scrutinizing the automaker’s claims:
- NHTSA Investigations: The agency is reviewing numerous incidents involving Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode, including crashes with emergency vehicles.
- Department of Justice Probe: Federal prosecutors are examining whether Tesla misled the public about the capabilities of its driver-assist systems.
- A wave of Lawsuits: Families of victims in Tesla-related accidents have filed lawsuits alleging negligence and false advertising.
These developments highlight the gap between Tesla’s promises of “the safest cars on the road” and the reality faced by drivers and passengers.
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Tesla Accident
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a Tesla, you might have questions about liability, technology failures, and driver negligence.
While Tesla has revolutionized the automotive world, its vehicles are not without risks. Advanced technology and sleek design don’t guarantee safety, especially when human error and marketing hype collide. If you’ve been affected by a Tesla-related accident, you deserve answers—and justice.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. Don’t wait until the bills pile up—contact us at (909) 890-1000 or fill out our confidential contact form today, and we’ll call you back.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.