Model 3 Owner Responds to New Data Showing Tesla Drivers Are the Worst, “Some Tesla Drivers Like to Speed and Weave Between Lanes, But Many of Us Drive Like Responsible Adults”

Watch out for Tesla drivers

According to a comprehensive study by LendingTree, which analyzed driving incidents across all major automakers, Tesla had the highest number of incidents. This study, which considered a wide range of factors, including accidents, DUIs, speeding, and citations, provides a robust basis for the claim that Tesla has the worst drivers among all car brands. 

The implications of this finding are significant, as Tesla drivers are now being targeted with acts of shouting, middle fingers, and even violence. Check out my report on violence against Cybertruck owners. 

LendingTree says, "Tesla has the worst drivers. Going fully electric may not mean as much if you're a menace on the streets."

The report says Tesla, Ram, and Subaru have the worst drivers. Nationally, Tesla drivers had 36.94 incidents (accidents, DUIs, speeding, and citations) per 1,000 drivers from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024—up significantly from 31.13 in its late 2023 analysis. Ram (33.92) improved from worst to second-worst, while Subaru (32.85) remained third-worst.

Tesla Moves Up From the Second to Worst Driver Crown

When LendingTree conducted the study in late 2023, Tesla ranked second-worst with 31.13 incidents from November 14, 2022, through Nov. ember 14, 2023.

Speed Can Play a Significant Role  

The report says that the cheapest Tesla — a standard Model 3 with rear-wheel drive — can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Other packages of the Model 3 can accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.2 and 3.1 seconds. 

One Reddit User Says,

truthputer - "The scariest is when they suddenly decide to overtake by absolutely flooring it. One time, I had a Tesla following me for a while; when I indicated to change lanes, he decided it was unacceptable that he was behind me, and a nanosecond later, he was in the lane I was trying to move into. Scared me (expletive), and I wish I'd saved the dashcam footage."

"These cars have the type of brutal acceleration that makes a racecar blush, with brakes that aren't good enough for a pedal bike, driven by people who have never taken a road safety or driving class in their life. And they think it's "fun" to weave through traffic and floor it. Of course, it's a disaster.”

This Reddit Tesla Owner responds, 

melloack -  “We sounds like a whole lot of people, I think the thing about this Tesla drivers is that Model Ys and Model 3s are relatively cheap and very much fun cars to drive with incredible acceleration. There are so many young people driving these things gunning it every chance they get because it's fun, so yeah some Tesla drivers like to speed and weave between lanes but many of us drive like responsible adults.”

Tesla has the worst drivers in nine states and is the second highest.

Tesla drivers are the worst in nine states, putting it behind Ram at number one with the worst drivers in 16 states. Tesla drivers are worst in:

1. Indiana 50.86
2. North Carolina 45.59
3. Ohio 42.14 
4. Alabama 40.15 
5. Arizona 35.73
6. Georgia 34.69
7. Kentucky 34.13
8. Missouri 31.49
9. Oklahoma 26.30

Brands with the worst drivers have the highest accident rates.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the three brands with the worst drivers overall also had the highest accident rates. Tesla ranks worst, at 26.67 accidents per 1,000 drivers. That's up from 23.54 last time, though it also ranked worst then.

Car brands with the highest DUI rates

Tesla drivers rank third overall among car brands with the highest DUI rates at 2.23 DUI's per 1000 drivers.

How Do the Findings Affect Insurance Rates?

Rob Bhatt, an auto insurance expert, says, "The immediate impact is on the individual," he says. "Most of these incidents are going to make your rates go up. The insurance rates for specific models are more impacted by accidents than some of these other incidents." 

"If Tesla drivers get into accidents at a higher rate than other drivers, insurance companies will probably spend more to insure them than other vehicles. This, in turn, may prompt insurance companies to charge higher rates to insure a Tesla."

How Can You Lower Your Insurance Premium?

Consumer Reports says, "For starters, consider switching insurance companies. According to CR's 2024 auto insurance survey, 30 percent of those surveyed had switched insurers in the past five years, most of them to save money on premiums. Those who did saw a median annual savings of $461."

"If you haven't given your insurance a hard look in a while, you could be paying too much, not have enough coverage, or both," says Chuck Bell, Consumer Reports' programs director for advocacy.

"The survey also found that most policyholders were unaware that their insurance companies had automated driver monitoring programs available—usually through a smartphone-based tracking app—but that those who signed up for it saved a median of $120 on their annual premiums."

If You Do Have a Driver Monitoring Program, You Driving Habits Will Determine Your Rate

Excessive speed, hitting your brakes, taking fast turns, and accelerating quickly from a stop sign or traffic light will raise your premiums. 

Not paying attention to the road, driving irresponsibly, being impaired, and being distracted will have the opposite effect on your insurance rates. They will go up. 

Bhatt says. "Just avoiding these three things can help you avoid accidents and other incidents. In the process, it also helps you get or keep low insurance rates. The insurance rate you get for a car with a bad reputation will always be lower when you keep your driving reputation, or your driving record, intact."

Tesla Brand Loyalty

Tesla owners love their cars and trucks and they are showing it with their driving style. They are the most loyal owners of any car brand. 

A separate S&P Global Mobility analysis from the first half of 2024 shows that Tesla brand loyalty is the highest, at 67.8%.

What Drives Tesla Loyalty?

Customer Gauge says, "Tesla as a brand is not just about cars. Rather, the organization passionately promotes a vision: that electric vehicles will one day solve the planet's energy problem. As a result, customers are not just buying a product but buying into a set of values—and a commitment to make the world a better place."

Final Thoughts and Questions For Tesla Owners

Not all Tesla drivers are the worst, but many are flaunting the car's excellent electric power and acceleration. It's hard not to use it if it's available. Many quietly say by their driving style, "My electric car is faster than your gas-guzzling ICE vehicle."

It's Your Turn

Do you own a Tesla vehicle? What's your experience with the car, and do you find yourself flaunting its electric power? We want to hear from you. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts with the Tesla community.

Check out my Tesla report titled; Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “With All the Negativity, I Was Annoyed When a Man Started Taking Pictures Of My Cybertruck, But As I Watched Him, Admiration Replaced Irritation"

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl