Tesla Model 3 driver escapes serious injury following collision, reinforcing my decision to own one
In the realm of automotive safety, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the protection of vehicle occupants. The NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program, established in 1970, has been a trusted tool for shoppers and a benchmark for automakers alike.
The program evaluates vehicles based on a series of standardized crash tests, designed to simulate real-world collision scenarios. These tests include the Frontal Barrier Test, Side Barrier Test, Side Pole Test, Rollover Resistance Test, and more. Each test assesses various aspects of occupant protection and vehicle safety features, with the aim of determining the overall safety rating of a vehicle.
One automaker that has consistently excelled in these tests is Tesla. The Tesla Model X became the first SUV to achieve 5 stars in every NHTSA crash category, demonstrating an extremely low probability of injury. The Tesla Model 3 followed suit, receiving five stars in every single category and subcategory in NHTSA's tests, making it one of the safest cars ever tested.
The safety of Tesla's vehicles can be attributed in part to the company's unique approach to vehicle design. Tesla's design philosophy is rooted in a concept called first principles thinking, which involves reimagining each part of a car from the ground up rather than following industry norms.
Volvo, another automaker with a long-lasting reputation as a safety pioneer, was one of the first to prioritize seatbelts in the 1950s. Similarly, General Motors was the first to offer airbags in a limited number of models in the early 1970s.
Progress in vehicle safety often comes slowly and requires sustained political pressure. The National Association of Automobile Dealers (NADA) has, in the past, sided with automakers in opposing federal safety measures. However, the NHTSA's efforts have led to significant advancements in vehicle safety over the years.
The importance of these safety measures is underscored by the statistics. Each year in the United States, over 40,000 deaths occur due to automobile crashes, making them a leading cause of death.
For child safety, NHTSA sets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213), requiring crash tests that simulate impacts, including newly added side-impact tests for child seats designed to protect children in T-bone collisions.
In recent times, Tesla's safety features have been put to the test in real-world situations. Reddit user BasicallyCool survived a nasty accident in his Tesla Model 3 without significant injuries, despite the car flipping and rolling 5 times. Another user, Enragedocelot, was impressed by the durability of the Model 3's roof, stating that he had expected it to shatter in a rollover.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the advancements in vehicle safety will continue to be a priority for automakers and regulators alike. For those in the automotive industry, Chris Johnston, author of "The Arrival of The Electric Car", is a notable voice. Chris, who lives in Seattle and enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling, and flying in his free time, focuses on electric vehicles in his coverage on Torque News. He can be connected with on LinkedIn and followed on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
In conclusion, the history of safety measures in cars is a testament to the relentless pursuit of safety by automakers and regulators. From seatbelts and airbags to the latest crash tests and safety ratings, the journey towards safer roads continues.
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