A new study reveals that Tesla vehicles have the highest rates of involvement in fatal accidents compared to other automotive brands. The study, conducted by the platform iSeeCars, analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla topped the list, followed by brands like Kia, Dodge, and Hyundai.
While the study does not suggest that Tesla cars possess inherent features making them more dangerous, analyst Karl Brauer pointed out that driver behavior, such as excessive speeding or distracted driving, likely plays a significant role in these accidents. He emphasized that safe driving fundamentally relies on the driver’s vigilance, regardless of the vehicle’s make.
On the other hand, a previous report by EpicVIN found that Tesla drivers were among the least likely to die in fatal accidents, highlighting a paradox between Tesla’s high accident rates and the structural safety of its vehicles. A study published by Lending Tree reported that Tesla drivers experience 23.54 accidents per 1,000 drivers, the highest rate among all brands.
Tesla’s Autopilot and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have also faced significant criticism. Reports indicate that Tesla’s technology was involved in approximately 70% of crashes involving driver-assistance systems in a single year, according to the NHTSA. Another report suggested that these systems have been linked to hundreds of accidents and several fatalities since 2019, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies.
This complex interplay between driver behavior, vehicle safety features, and advanced driving technologies highlights the need for greater awareness and regulatory oversight in the era of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.
