Tesla Model 3 Garners IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The Tesla Model 3 has smashed electric vehicle sales records during the past two-and-a-half years, hitting the 100,000-unit milestone in October 2018 and currently with more than 500,000 sold worldwide. Add to that achievement some of the highest honors from one of the toughest automotive safety critics—the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+. The 2020 model continued findings of the earlier tests, with the Model 3 receiving Good marks on all tests:
- Small overlap front, driver side
- Small overlap front, passenger side
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
- Headlights
It also received a Superior rating for its front crash prevention technology. Here’s evidence of the crash testing:
NHTSA Tests
The IIHS tests followed on the official federal government tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where the Model 3 maxed out every category, getting 5 Stars in each test for both the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
While some safety complaints have been registered with NHTSA, the total number pales in comparison with the number of vehicles sold.
One concern with electric vehicles is the potential impact of an accident on the batteries. NHTSA also tested the Tesla Model 3 that and found that there was no electrolyte spillage and the battery remained intact, even after a rollover.
A further evaluation performed by IIHS tests three scenarios for vehicle-to-pedestrian interactions, with each one using two vehicle speeds. The test is of Tesla’s standard auto-braking system designed to prevent accidents under 25 mph. In those tests the Model 3 received a rating of Advanced, the mid-point between Superior and Basic.
Safety Sells
Automakers are increasingly including more advanced safety equipment on their vehicles and manufacturers like Tesla are leading the way, seeing safety as a real selling point for their cars. Pedestrian safety becomes a particular issue with electric cars because of their near-silent operation at low speeds. We can expect an ongoing interplay between efforts for additional mandatory safety equipment and an ongoing emphasis on the importance of an individual driver’s vigilance and preparation. All drivers, and particularly those with electric vehicles, should incorporate these safety practices to help keep everyone safe on the road.
Safety will undoubtedly continue to be one of the key boxes consumers will want to check as they look for new cars, whether the latest electric like the Tesla Model 3 or a conventional model.
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