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I Used To Question Tesla FSD's Safety, But After This Latest Report The Numbers Don't Lie

Tesla just dropped a bombshell: its Autopilot-equipped cars are crashing far less than human-driven ones. Could this game-changing data finally silence the skeptics of Tesla's FSD like me?

For years, I harbored a shadow of doubt about Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. The concept of entrusting a vehicle's navigation to an autonomous system seemed fraught with uncertainty. However, a recent report has presented data that is both unexpected and compelling, challenging my preconceived notions.

This morning, Tesla announced on its X account: "We hit a new Q4 record for miles driven between accidents in 2024. Teslas using Autopilot technology drove 5.94 million miles vs US average of .70 million miles." Omead Afshar, a trusted confidant of Elon Musk, elaborated, stating, "In the 4th quarter, we recorded one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven in which drivers were using Autopilot technology. For drivers who were not using Autopilot technology, we recorded one crash for every 1.08 million miles driven. By comparison, the most recent data available from NHTSA and FHWA (from 2023) shows that in the United States, there was an automobile crash approximately every 702,000 miles."

 

 

These figures are nothing short of astonishing. To put it into perspective, Teslas operating with Autopilot engaged are experiencing accidents at a rate significantly lower than the national average. This data suggests that the integration of Autopilot technology is contributing to a safer driving experience. However, beyond accident statistics, an even more telling metric is how frequently Tesla’s FSD requires human intervention. A deeper look into the most critical FSD performance metric—miles between critical interventions reveals Tesla’s progress toward truly unsupervised autonomous driving, a milestone that could redefine the future of self-driving technology.

Tesla's cumulative miles driven with FSD.Omead Afshar, often referred to as the "Musk Whisperer," has been instrumental in Tesla's operations. His strategic thinking and operational expertise have positioned him as a crucial player in the company's success. His insights into the safety metrics of Tesla's Autopilot system carry significant weight, given his close association with Elon Musk and his deep involvement in the company's initiatives.

The implications of this data are profound. It raises the question: can insurance customers get a discount on monthly premiums based on the percentage of FSD miles driven? If Autopilot-equipped Teslas are indeed safer, it stands to reason that insurance companies might consider adjusting premiums accordingly. This could lead to a paradigm shift in how insurance rates are determined, rewarding drivers who utilize advanced safety technologies.

Critics might argue that these numbers can be cherry-picked or misconstrued. However, the data presented is straightforward and compelling. It's becoming increasingly clear that if safety is a priority, opting for a Tesla with Autopilot could be a prudent choice.

It's worth noting that Tesla's Autopilot system has been credited with preventing numerous accidents daily. According to a report, Tesla's Autopilot helps avoid approximately 40 accidents a day. This statistic underscores the system's effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Furthermore, the landscape of autonomous driving is evolving rapidly. Companies like Imagry are working towards affordable autonomous driving solutions, aiming to make such technologies more accessible by late 2026. In fact, the push for affordable, camera-based self-driving technology is gaining momentum, with startups and automakers alike racing to deliver cost-effective alternatives that don’t rely on expensive LiDAR systems. This progress indicates a future where advanced driver assistance systems become standard, further enhancing road safety.

Reflecting on my initial skepticism, this unexpected discovery has provided a unique perspective on the capabilities of Tesla's FSD system. The data doesn't lie; the integration of Autopilot technology appears to offer a safer driving experience. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, it's crucial to remain open to new information and be willing to adjust our viewpoints based on empirical evidence.

Elon Musk has been vocal about the critical role of self-driving technology in the future of the automotive industry. He recently warned that any car company that fails to solve self-driving will die, emphasizing that autonomy is not just a feature but a necessity for survival. As Tesla continues refining its Full Self-Driving system, the competitive pressure on other automakers is intensifying. Companies that lag in autonomous development may struggle to remain relevant in an industry rapidly shifting towards AI-driven mobility.

In conclusion, the recent data on Tesla's Autopilot safety performance is both surprising and enlightening. It challenges previous assumptions and highlights the potential benefits of advanced driver assistance systems. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how these developments influence driver behavior, insurance models, and overall road safety.

By the way a few months ago my children and I took my friend's 2024 Tesla Model Y to the streets testing its full self-driving ability. All of the sudden my friend and I realized that Tesla FSD isn't yet able to recognize a simple and common human gesture. Watch the video on the Torque News Youtube Channel below.

 

What are your thoughts on Tesla's Autopilot system? Have you had any personal experiences with FSD technology? Share your insights in the comments section below.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News TwitterFacebookLinkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.