Tesla has recently released its Vehicle Safety Report for all four quarters of 2023, offering a comprehensive look into the safety performance of vehicles equipped with Autopilot technology. The voluntarily published quarterly reports present data on miles driven per accident, both with and without Autopilot, and draw comparisons with the U.S. average, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the calendar year 2022.
Tesla’s commitment to safety is evident, with the aspiration to be one of the world’s safest car brands. The Autopilot driver assist system, designed to enhance safety, undergoes scrutiny through these reports. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the methodology’s limitations, as all accidents, regardless of cause, are counted. Tesla notes that over 35% of Autopilot-related crashes occur when their vehicles are rear-ended by others, emphasizing the need for nuanced analysis.
In 2023, the data on miles driven per accident with Autopilot varied, showing mixed results compared to the previous year. While Q2 demonstrated a 21% improvement, Q1 and Q3 reported 21% and 6% declines, respectively. Q4 rebounded with an 11% improvement. Without Autopilot, the statistics painted a different picture, with an increase in accidents across all quarters compared to 2022.
The significant divergence between driving with and without Autopilot continues to widen, signifying the potential safety benefits of active safety systems. However, a cautionary note is essential – these datasets are not directly comparable due to potential variations in driving scenarios and the types of data collected.
Tesla’s report provides a glimpse into the company’s commitment to transparency, emphasizing the conservative approach to accident counting. The methodology includes counting any crash where Autopilot was deactivated within 5 seconds before impact and considers incidents where an airbag or other active restraint deployed.
As Tesla strives for safer roads with Autopilot, the evolving data allows us to observe trends in safety improvements over time. While the reports offer valuable insights, it’s crucial to interpret them within the context of their methodology and not directly compare Autopilot to non-Autopilot driving. The journey towards enhanced vehicle safety remains dynamic, and Tesla’s commitment to sharing this information is a commendable step forward.
