Alarming Crash Statistics
A new report highlights an alarming pattern of fatal crashes in the US involving Tesla vehicles where passengers were unable to open the doors and became trapped inside. As this brand’s electric vehicles become increasingly common on American roads, scrutiny of their safety features is also growing, and in this case, the lack of physical backup mechanisms in the event of a crash.
The investigation focuses on Tesla’s electronic door handles, a signature design solution later adopted by other automakers. This raises concerns about the industry-wide trend towards software-dependent safety mechanisms.
Investigation Details
During an ongoing investigation into safety issues with these door handles, journalists uncovered data showing that at least 15 people have died over the past decade in Tesla incidents where locked or malfunctioning doors could have been a potential factor preventing victims from escaping. More than half of these deaths occurred in the past year, suggesting the problem is becoming more frequent or at least more noticeable due to increased awareness.
Data Limitations and Methodology
The report notes a critical limitation: there is no publicly available federal database tracking fatalities specifically linked to electronic door handle failures. Therefore, the provided figures do not claim to be exhaustive. The list was compiled by reviewing every known fatal crash with an electric vehicle and fire in the US and analyzing whether data indicated an inability to open doors for both those inside and rescuers. In each of the 15 cases, non-functioning door handles “hindered either passengers’ attempts to get out or rescuers’ attempts to help those in the vehicle.”
Specific Cases
One such incident occurred in Virginia, where a Tesla Model 3 slid off a snowy road, hit a tree, and caught fire. Footage from a patrol car shows an officer unable to open the Model 3’s door, forcing him to smash one of the windows and pull the driver out.
Audio Evidence from the Scene
Another fatal crash happened in Wisconsin last year, claiming the lives of five people in a Tesla Model S. Audio recordings of three 112 calls were later obtained, including one automatically made by an Apple Watch belonging to one of the passengers. The recordings capture at least two people screaming and crying for help, with one clearly saying, “I’m stuck,” as fire spread through the vehicle, ultimately taking their lives. It remains unclear whether the three other victims survived the initial impact before being engulfed by the fire.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla, for its part, has partially acknowledged these issues. In September, reports emerged that the company is exploring possible changes to the door handle system. Future models may receive a combination of electronic and mechanical opening mechanisms, which is already standard in brands like Audi and Lexus. Aiming to reassure customers about their vehicles’ safety, Tesla recently launched a new page on its website dedicated exclusively to safety. There, the company explains that its cars are designed to automatically activate hazard lights and unlock doors in the event of a serious collision. It is also noted that the vehicle can independently contact emergency services. However, Tesla also includes a key caveat: these features “may not be available in all regions or for all vehicles depending on the production date.”
While Tesla appears to be taking some steps to address the issue in the future, questions remain not only about the company’s design choices but also about the regulatory landscape and the lack of clear oversight. The analysis does not claim that electronic door handles are inherently dangerous but points to the need for more robust backup systems in situations where delays can be fatal. The automotive industry’s shift towards more complex electronic systems requires the parallel development of standards and testing procedures that guarantee their functionality under the most extreme conditions, where seconds count. This discussion extends beyond a single manufacturer, touching on fundamental principles of safety design in the high-tech era.