It was inevitable that the first Tesla Cybertruck would eventually be in a crash. Shortly before the end of the year, a Toyota Corolla collided with it in Palo Alto, California. This incident has gained significant attention because of the Cybertruck’s unconventional and highly criticized design.
The California Highway Patrol reported that a Toyota car veered off the road, hit a dirt embankment, then got back on the road, crossed over into the opposite lane, and collided with a Cybertruck.
The Tesla driver had a suspected minor injury but did not want to go to the hospital. There were no other reported injuries, indicating that the Corolla driver may have been unharmed even though the car’s airbags deployed.
As we wait for more information on the injuries and ongoing investigation, the recent crash has brought attention to the potential dangers of driving a rigid vehicle like the Cybertruck. Unlike traditional cars that have crumple zones to protect the driver in a collision, the unique design and materials of the Cybertruck have raised concerns among experts.
In addition to the dangers it poses to the driver, experts have raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians when it comes to the electric vehicle. Its heavy weight and lack of visibility make it difficult for the driver to see what is happening in front of the vehicle, and its tough exterior adds to these concerns.
However, Tesla has consistently claimed that the Cybertruck is a safer option for both the driver and other road users. The company states that the truck’s front under-body casting is intentionally designed to break into smaller pieces in order to reduce the impact on occupants by absorbing and dispersing energy.
Despite concerns about the unconventional design of the truck, the other vehicles made by the EV manufacturer have been praised for their exceptional safety features. To draw a definitive conclusion, we require more data. However, the initial accident does not bode well for the rugged pickup truck.
Reference- The Verge, Tesla website, Twitter, Forbes, Inside EVs, Futurism