Technology
Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 5:06 pm EDT
Key Points
- High Accident Rates Among Tesla Drivers: A study by LendingTree analyzing data from quotes for vehicle insurance revealed that Tesla drivers in the U.S. had the highest accident rate among drivers of 30 automotive brands over the past year. With 24 accidents per 1,000 drivers from mid-November 2022 to mid-November 2023, Tesla drivers surpassed other brands, such as Ram and Subaru.
- Driving Incidents and Citations: The study not only focused on accidents but also considered driving incidents, including DUIs, speeding, and other citations. Ram drivers had the highest incident rate overall, while Tesla drivers had the second-highest incident rate in the U.S. Driving incidents can lead to increased insurance rates, with speeding tickets causing a 10% to 20% bump, accidents resulting in around a 40% increase, and DUIs leading to a rate increase of 60% or more.
- Association with Autopilot Software Recall: The findings come in the context of a recent Autopilot software recall by Tesla, impacting around 2 million electric vehicles. Tesla’s Autopilot system, marketed as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), has faced scrutiny, with a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealing safety defects in the Autosteer feature. The NHTSA’s findings led to a voluntary software recall by Tesla, aiming to improve safety features and address the increased risk of collisions associated with Autosteer. The study raises questions about the safety of Tesla’s Autopilot system and its impact on driving behavior.
The latest study by LendingTree reveals that Tesla drivers in the U.S. were involved in accidents at a higher rate than drivers of any other brand of vehicle over the past year. Analyzing quotes from individuals seeking insurance for their vehicles, the study excluded incident data related to rental cars. Tesla drivers exhibited the worst accident rate, with 24 accidents per 1,000 drivers from mid-November 2022 to mid-November 2023. Ram drivers followed closely with about 23 accidents, and Subaru drivers with approximately 21 accidents per 1,000 drivers during the same period.
The study highlights that certain types of vehicles may attract riskier drivers, though it’s challenging to determine the exact reasons for varying accident rates among brands. BMW drivers were identified as the most likely to engage in driving under the influence, with about three DUIs per 1,000 drivers annually, twice the rate of Ram drivers, who ranked second-worst in this regard. Ram drivers also had the highest incident rate overall, encompassing accidents, DUIs, speeding, and other citations.
LendingTree found that incidents like speeding tickets can increase insurance rates by 10% to 20%, accidents by around 40%, and DUIs by 60% or more. The study’s findings come on the heels of a recall of Tesla’s Autopilot software, impacting around 2 million electric vehicles. Tesla drivers’ high accident rates raise questions about the safety of the Autopilot system. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed lower crash likelihood with Autopilot, third-party evaluation of safety data has been restricted. A previous investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed safety defects in Tesla’s Autosteer feature, leading to a voluntary software recall and promised safety improvements. Tesla has not yet commented on the LendingTree study.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/19/tesla-drivers-had-highest-accident-rate-bmw-drivers-most-duis-study.html
