Tesla's Cybertruck encounters its first on-road incident. The first reported accident sheds light on safety considerations amid its distinctive design and crashworthiness.
(Photo : SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
Newly manufactured Tesla Cybertrucks are parked outside the company's Giga Texas factory on December 13, 2023, in Austin, Texas.
Shedding Light on Safety Considerations
In a notable development, the highly awaited Tesla Cybertruck was entangled in its inaugural on-road incident. This offers insights into safety considerations surrounding its unique design and crashworthiness.
Interesting Engineering reported that the incident unfolded on a Thursday afternoon in California as a Tesla Cybertruck, carrying three occupants, became involved in its first reported accident.
The collision took place on SR 35 (Skyline Boulevard) at approximately 2:05 pm local time and implicated a 2009 Toyota Corolla, helmed by a 17-year-old driver. Thankfully, authorities have characterized the outcome as yielding only 'minor' injuries to the Cybertruck driver.
The Toyota Corolla was traveling south on SR-35 when, under reasons yet undisclosed, the driver executed a right turn, collided with a dirt embankment, re-entered the roadway, and ultimately collided with the northbound-bound Cybertruck.
This impactful event occurred south of Page Mill Road, situated within an area denoted as Palo Alto on Google Maps. The incident serves as an early test for the Cybertruck, assessing its performance and safety features in real-world scenarios, and addressing concerns regarding its unconventional design.
No Injuries Occured
Despite lingering safety concerns surrounding the Cybertruck, images shared by Reddit user "boddhya" revealed the Tesla vehicle relatively unharmed, while the front of the Toyota Corolla bore substantial damage.
A preliminary investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) unveiled details surrounding the accident.
As detailed in the CHP report, the incident unfolded with the Toyota re-entering the roadway, crossing over double yellow lines into the northbound lane, and colliding with a northbound-traveling Tesla Cybertruck on SR-35.
The CHP report specified that the Tesla driver is suspected to have sustained minor injuries and declined medical transportation.
Notably, there were no additional reported injuries, and there is no indication that the Tesla Cybertruck was in autonomous mode during the incident. The ongoing investigation continues to delve into the particulars of the occurrence, as outlined in the CHP report's final remarks.
The distinctive design of the Cybertruck had previously sparked safety concerns, prompting Tesla CEO Elon Musk to assert its safety superiority, claiming it is safer per mile than other trucks.
While official crash test results are yet to be released, Tesla conducted its crash tests and showcased videos during the Cybertruck Delivery Day, as reported by Teslaraiti. The emphasis was on the efficiency of the front underbody megacasting in absorbing and dispersing impact energy.
Experts, considering the Cybertruck's unconventional design, have voiced apprehensions about its safety. Weighing 3.5 tons and boasting Formula 1 car acceleration, some experts have likened the vehicle to a guideless missile.
The decision to encase the truck's frame in cold-rolled stainless steel has prompted inquiries about its crumple zone, a crucial element in absorbing collision energy.
Related Article: Tesla's Cybertruck: A Symbol of Innovation and Controversy in the Automotive World
