Tesla Autopilot Reduces Crash Rate, Safety Advances Continue in Q3

Tesla has released its Vehicle Safety Report for the third quarter of 2024, highlighting improvements in crash rates and ongoing safety innovations. The report shows a significant improvement in safety performance over the past year.

In Q3 2024, Tesla recorded one crash for every 7.08 million miles driven with Autopilot engaged, compared to one crash per 5.88 million miles during the same period in 2023. For drivers without Autopilot, the crash rate improved to one crash per 1.29 million miles from 1.52 million miles in Q3 2023.

By comparison, NHTSA and FHWA data from 2022 reports that a crash occurs in the U.S. every 670,000 miles on average, underlining the safety benefits of Tesla’s technology.

Tesla attributes these improvements to the advanced safety features standard on all models, including real-time updates informed by 9 billion miles driven with Autopilot. These updates are delivered through over-the-air software enhancements, ensuring continuous safety improvements for all Tesla vehicles.

The Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y rank among the safest cars tested by the U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Their battery pack design also provides structural strength, low center of gravity, and crumple zones to minimize injury in the event of a crash.

Since 2018, Tesla has released quarterly safety reports and annual fire reports to promote transparency. Tesla noted that while crash rates can vary due to seasonal factors, the company remains committed to enhancing road safety through technology and real-world data.