Tesla Model 3 wins top safety rating after acing crash tests

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  • The small overlap driver’s side front crash test.
  • “The driver’s overall survival space was maintained well,” IIHS wrote after the small overlap driver side front crash test.
  • “Although intrusion overall into the driver’s space was minimal, door hinge pillar intrusion contributed to a moderate risk of injury to the left lower leg,” IIHS wrote after the small overlap driver’s side test.
  • The results of the side crash test.
  • Paint shows where the dummy’s head struck the airbag after the side crash test.

Tesla’s Model 3 has earned the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after the group performed a series of crash tests on the vehicle. The IIHS named the Model 3 a “Top Safety Pick+,” the second all-electric vehicle to win that designation this year after the Audi e-tron.

The Model 3 beat out the Chevy Bolt, which fell short in one of its crash tests earlier this year. The Bolt’s headlights also got a poor rating due to excessive glare.

While Tesla’s older Model S earned generally good marks in 2017 testing by IIHS, it missed out on a Top Safety Pick rating because of less-than-stellar results in one of its crash tests.

The IIHS subjected the Model 3 to four different crash tests: small overlap crashes on the driver and passenger sides, a moderate overlap test, and a side crash test. The vehicle performed well in all four tests.

“The dummy’s position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver’s survival space was maintained very well,” IIHS wrote after the moderate overlap front crash test.

The IIHS was impressed with Tesla’s headlights, which illuminated the road without causing glare for other drivers. IIHS also praised Tesla’s automatic emergency braking technology, which successfully stopped the car in time to prevent collisions.

Listing image by IIHS

https://arstechnica.com/?p=1571005