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

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