I follow Tesla on X and its striking how often they repost reports of accidents where the vehicle’s occupants were not injured or not severely injured because of how safe the cars are. And then there are the videos from drivers who comment that Autopilot prevented this accident or that accident.
This is not a new phenomenon, not even the Autopilot posts. Let me explain.
Autopilot
The vast majority of accident prevention videos involve situations encountered by drivers every day, situations I and my friends and family have encountered in the past, and managed to avoid without software assistance.
I’m simply not sold on the idea that Autopilot can out drive a driver who’s paying attention.
The fact that people who might otherwise be housebound or be forced to rely on others for transportation is, in truth, a big deal for society as a whole. This, not withstanding the 84 year old gentleman in Florida who did not survive his Model Y droving him into a pond recently.
Safety ratings, etc.
As to accident survivability, I can discuss a more personal experience.
A Toyota store I worked at some years ago had a Volkswagen Passat on the lot that sold rather quickly. A family came in just after it had been delivered. They had totaled their previous car and no one had been hurt. It was the same model and year Passat.
Quite understandably, they would not take anything else and left to hunt for another Passat.
Subaru loves to use their damaged cars in commercials as a selling point, because once again, the occupants are unhurt. Its all about the love.
The vast majority of today’s automobiles are 5-star safety rated and are far safer than they have ever been. Certainly they are tested literally to their destruction.
Pretty much any vehicle built in the last decade or two will keep you very, very safe, assuming it doesn’t end up under water.
Despite their claims, Tesla is quite simply not any safer than anyone else’s offerings. But a personal experience, especially one caught on video, is impossible to dismiss.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Tesla Autopilot and safety ratings
I follow Tesla on X and its striking how often they repost reports of accidents where the vehicle’s occupants were not injured or not severely injured because of how safe the cars are. And then there are the videos from drivers who comment that Autopilot prevented this accident or that accident.
This is not a new phenomenon, not even the Autopilot posts. Let me explain.
Autopilot
The vast majority of accident prevention videos involve situations encountered by drivers every day, situations I and my friends and family have encountered in the past, and managed to avoid without software assistance.
I’m simply not sold on the idea that Autopilot can out drive a driver who’s paying attention.
The fact that people who might otherwise be housebound or be forced to rely on others for transportation is, in truth, a big deal for society as a whole. This, not withstanding the 84 year old gentleman in Florida who did not survive his Model Y droving him into a pond recently.
Safety ratings, etc.
As to accident survivability, I can discuss a more personal experience.
A Toyota store I worked at some years ago had a Volkswagen Passat on the lot that sold rather quickly. A family came in just after it had been delivered. They had totaled their previous car and no one had been hurt. It was the same model and year Passat.
Quite understandably, they would not take anything else and left to hunt for another Passat.
Subaru loves to use their damaged cars in commercials as a selling point, because once again, the occupants are unhurt. Its all about the love.
The vast majority of today’s automobiles are 5-star safety rated and are far safer than they have ever been. Certainly they are tested literally to their destruction.
Pretty much any vehicle built in the last decade or two will keep you very, very safe, assuming it doesn’t end up under water.
Despite their claims, Tesla is quite simply not any safer than anyone else’s offerings. But a personal experience, especially one caught on video, is impossible to dismiss.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY