Tesla’s mortality rate is twice as high
Despite promises of fully self-driving
The surprising factor identified as the cause
A recent analysis has revealed that vehicles from American electric automaker Tesla have a fatality rate in accidents, approximately double that of other brands. This finding comes as Tesla aims to launch fully autonomous cars without human drivers by 2025, despite being renowned for its advanced driver assistance systems and safety technologies.
As Tesla has the highest fatality rate among brands, consumers’ concerns about safety are also increasing. iSeeCars, an online platform for analyzing automobile data, analyzed the Federal Aviation Administration’s (NHTSA) Traffic Accident Fatality Analysis Data (FARS) and released the results.
5.6 fatalities per billion miles driven
Nearly double the industry average
The results have shown that about 5.6 Tesla drivers died in accidents per 1 billion miles (about 1.69 billion km). This is almost twice the average of 2.9 deaths. However, iSeeCar stated that it is difficult to see this data as indicating that vehicles are less safe. The cause of accidents should be considered not only vehicle safety technology but also driver carelessness and various surrounding factors.
The iSeeCar side stated that the figures greatly reflect driver behavior rather than vehicle design. The Model Y received the highest score of 5 stars in the 2022 European NCAP vehicle safety test, so it is difficult to doubt the vehicle’s safety.
Misuse of autonomous driving tech contributes
Resulting from driver inattention
So why do Tesla drivers have such a high death rate in accidents? Some experts say that the cause is the abuse of Tesla’s autonomous driving function. In fact, in May 2024, a Tesla Model 3 with FSD (Full Self-Driving) in operation failed to recognize a train ahead and crashed into it. The driver reportedly suffered injuries such as bruises and back pain.
The problem pointed out at the time was fog on the road. When visibility was not completely secured, drivers were criticized for not concentrating on driving while relying on the autonomous driving function. In the US, there was a problem where a significant accident occurred because the driver was left to the autonomous driving function, such as autopilot, and was not prepared for an unexpected situation. In this case, the analysis is that the damage from the accident is bound to be significant because even the minimum response, such as defensive driving, is not possible.
Five brands with the highest fatality rates
Hyundai and Kia also make the list
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also investigated Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System in October 2024. Tesla vehicles operating in Full Self-Driving Mode were involved in four crashes in poor road conditions, and the NHTSA reviewed whether the System responded appropriately in low-visibility conditions.
Meanwhile, Kia had the highest mortality rate after Tesla. Under the same conditions, Kia came in second with 5.5 deaths, followed by Tesla with 5.6. Buick came in third with 4.8 deaths, Dodge in fourth with 4.4 deaths, and Hyundai in fifth with 3.9 deaths.
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