Tesla claims its Autopilot technology is 11 times safer, but there are some hidden details behind this assertion. The company recently released new data highlighting the safety of its controversial Autopilot technology. However, the facts behind these figures are not as clear-cut as Tesla presents. Let’s delve into the details together.
Tesla Autopilot Accident Statistics
Tesla reported that for U.S. drivers using its Autopilot feature, there is one accident per 7.63 million miles (12.27 million km). For drivers not using Autopilot, the rate is one accident per 955,000 miles (1,536,923 km). The company compared these figures with general data from U.S. auto safety regulators, claiming that vehicles with Autopilot are 11 times safer than other cars.
However, Autopilot is typically used on U.S. highways, whereas the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) data covers all types of roads. Accidents are more frequent on city streets and undivided roads. Moreover, NHTSA’s statistics include all vehicles—trucks, buses, and older cars. Hence, Tesla’s comparison does not provide a straightforward assessment.
Tesla began publishing vehicle safety reports in 2018 to showcase the safety of its Autopilot technology. However, the company stopped releasing this data after the fourth quarter of 2022, resuming this week with the first-quarter report of 2024.
Legal and Investigative Challenges
While defending its Autopilot technology, Tesla has faced numerous lawsuits and federal investigations. In 2016, the first fatality involving Autopilot occurred when Ohioan Joshua Brown collided with a truck in Florida. Following this incident, software updates were made.
Subsequent accidents have led to additional lawsuits. Last October, Tesla won the first U.S. jury trial concerning an Autopilot crash. However, the company still faces at least a dozen more lawsuits in the U.S. Last month, Tesla won a case involving an Apple engineer who crashed into a barrier while Autopilot was active.
According to NHTSA, there have been over 200 crashes and 29 fatalities linked to Autopilot. The agency has initiated more than 50 special crash investigations involving Tesla vehicles. Last month, NHTSA closed a long-standing investigation and opened a new one. In December, concerns led to the recall of over 2 million electric vehicles in the U.S., nearly all of Tesla’s fleet in the country.
Tesla’s claim of Autopilot being 11 times safer needs to be understood in context. The figures predominantly represent highway driving, which is inherently safer than city driving. Additionally, comparisons with NHTSA’s comprehensive data, including various vehicle types and road conditions, may not be entirely accurate.
What do you think about Tesla’s Autopilot safety claims and the ongoing legal battles? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
