Study: Tesla Drivers Have Higher Crash Rates

Insurance data shows a higher rate of crashes and the second highest rate of ‘incidents’ such as DUI citations.

1 minute read

December 20, 2023, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Row of white Tesla electric cars in parking lot with dealership building with Tesla logo in background.

jetcityimage / Adobe Stock

According to an analysis of insurance quotes from LendingTree, Tesla drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes than the drivers of other carmakers, reports Elizabeth Blackstock in Jalopnik. “That study revealed that Tesla drivers have 23.54 accidents per 1,000 drivers; the EV maker is followed by Ram (22.76) and Subaru (20.90).”

When it comes to “incidents” such as drunk driving citations and speeding violations, Tesla drivers narrowly trail Ram drivers, overtaking all other brands in 11 states.

As Blackstock notes, the study was released just as Tesla recalled almost all of its vehicles to make updates to its Autopilot technology. The carmaker has garnered criticism from state and federal regulators for misleading consumers about the capabilities of its ‘self-driving’ features. A prior recall earlier this year affected over 360,000 vehicles when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated updates to the company’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ mode.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in Jalopnik

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star

Crowd gathered with protest signs on April 5, 2025 on steps of Minnesota state capitol protesting Trump cuts to social security and other federal programs.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us

Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.

June 13 - Shelterforce Magazine