This stat is widely misunderstood. Tesla rolled out Collision Avoidance Assist and Autopilot around the same time. These variables were not isolated by the NHTSA.[1] It is likely that collision avoidance was the major factor in the crash rate reduction. It is even possible that autopilot increased the accident rate.

No doubt collision avoidance is a fantastic feature though.

Addendum: Looks likes the NHTSA has disavowed Tesla’s interpretation of that study. They did not evaluate whether autosteer (autopilot) was engaged.[1]

[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/02/effectiveness-of-tesla-autop...

> Looks likes the NHTSA has disavowed Tesla’s interpretation of that study...

Wow. This is a story in its own, because that statistics has been touted a million time by the tesla/elon apologists..

so while its possible, Tesla is making changes that bring accident rates down. Everyone here is acting like its certain with absolutely no scientific evidence. Clearly by significantly more than they go up. Its stupid to come down on them like they're murdering people. That IS how you stop all progress.

Furthermore, no one is forcing anyone to buy Teslas. People should be free to do as they choose. I have no doubt, for example, that a corvette, lambo, m3, or convertible all increase certain risks for their drivers by far more than autopilot - which probably decreases their risks.