Emergency Escape Guide for Tesla Robotaxi and Cybertruck Passengers

The introduction of Tesla’s Robotaxi service has captured the interest of tech enthusiasts and eco-conscious commuters alike. This semi-autonomous cab service offers a chance to sit back and enjoy Netflix while it navigates the busy streets of the Bay Area. However, with the excitement of these technological marvels comes a sharp reminder of their potential dangers, particularly concerning their door mechanisms in emergencies. The increasing scrutiny from safety regulators and troubling reports of fatal accidents have stirred concerns about how to ensure safety within such innovative vehicles.

Dangers of Tesla’s Door Mechanisms

Recent investigations have underscored serious issues with Tesla models, particularly regarding their powered door handles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received over 140 consumer complaints alleging that doors can malfunction, leading to tragic situations where passengers were unable to escape from their vehicles. Inquiries intensified following a lawsuit from families of two college students who died in a Cybertruck crash, claiming that the door design inhibited their escape from a burning wreck.

As technology evolves, these vehicles are modernizing too, often prioritizing sleek aesthetics over immediate functionality in emergency situations. Unfortunately, this can leave passengers trapped when the electronic systems fail - a risk exacerbated by the lack of visible manual release mechanisms.

How to Escape a Stranded Tesla

Until Tesla addresses these design flaws, knowing how to exit a compromised vehicle is crucial. Here are the steps you can follow to evade a trapped situation:

Tesla Model Y:

Front Door: Pull up the manual door release located in front of the window switches.
Rear Door: In the door pocket, lift the small rectangular release cover and pull the cable inside to open.

Tesla Model S:

Front Door: Again, pull up the manual door release by the window switches.
Rear Door: Remove the carpet edge beneath the rear seats to find the mechanical release cable.

Tesla Model X:

Front Door: Use the manual release by the window switches.
Rear Door: Remove the speaker grille and pull down the mechanical release cable towards the front.

Tesla Model 3:

Front Door: Similar to others, pull up the manual door release.
Rear Door: Follow the same procedure as the Model Y.

Cybertruck:

Front Door: As with others, pull the manual release.
Rear Door: Look for the release cable beneath the rubber mat in the back pocket.

Preparing for the Unexpected

With the increasing integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday life, it’s essential for users to be equipped with knowledge about their operation and safety features. Consider practicing the escape procedures when the vehicle is stationary, allowing all passengers to familiarize themselves with the location of manual overrides and exits. This practice not only builds confidence but ensures a smoother response should an emergency arise.

What's Next for Tesla

In response to safety concerns, Tesla’s chief designer has indicated the company is actively working on redesigning their powered door handles to address these malfunctions. As consumers, it’s crucial to demand transparency and ongoing updates from manufacturers regarding safety features in innovative designs.

As electric vehicles and robotaxis become more prevalent, understanding their unique features and possible pitfalls will empower passengers to navigate the future of transportation safely. Prioritizing safety will ultimately lead to an exciting but responsible embrace of this new frontier.

Stay informed about Tesla updates and safety innovations—your life may depend on it.