There have been deaths in a Tesla where drivers were burned following an accident. Impossible to know if they died because of the accident itself, or because the car caught fire and they were injured and not able to get out of the car themselves due to the injury or were already passed on. Being that Tesla's are the safest cars in the world when it comes to impact, one would be reasonable to think they may have survived the impact, but not been able to move due to being stuck in the car from the impact or injuries.
Also according to this article, the car was engulfed very quickly, but who knows if that's an exaggeration from a driver in shock at the moment? He did state he saw smoke, struggled to figure out how to get out and right after he got out, the car was engulfed in flames. So not sure it takes all that long for a battery fire to get going pretty quickly, at least in some circumstances.
But again, my post wasn't about electric cars catching fire. As noted, it's rare. It's rare for any car. The post was more focused on how Tesla's innovation toward driverless cars too soon could be adding more danger while they still do require drivers and likely will for quite some time. I went back to the Model S, after having had a Model 3, primarily because the S was easier to operate safely and without distraction. I found myself distracted from the road far more often in the Model 3. The new Model S has taken things even further by removing the shifter, blinker, auto pilot and wiper stalks and removed the large horn button. Not to mention, chopping off half of the steering wheel's real estate. When I've had to swerve to avoid sudden object, I was happy my full steering wheel was there. All the new stuff is "cool", but, not practical and arguably less safe than it used to be. Of course, not everyone will agree, but being that just the Model 3, which still retains two stalks and a shifter, was too far for my own personal driving preference and self assured security feeling within my own car, the new Model S would certainly reduce my confidence in being able to handle panic / emergency situations.
So, I get what you’re saying and in the , am not trying to dismiss what is your personal experience or comfortability, or preference…just adding some contrast, in that I’ve the refreshed S and have been driving it for nearly a week now.
So, my experience has been/is, that there is a relatively small learning curve/muscle memory that has to be stepped over for some of the new features. BUT…where things like the removal of turn stalks in favor of push button turn indicators are concerned…once you’ve stepped over than muscle memory, the way the Yoke is set up for turns, is actually….Excellent, more intuitive, more conveniently located, requires less movement and energy and time and is..a wonderful innovative change.
You will have to experience it to truly appreciate the subtle benefit I suppose, but it really is MUCH easier and more logical than the use of an old school turn stalk.
in life, we get used to what we get used to and in this, I really do think it’s simply a matter of all of us having grown up for years having it be one and only one way and therefore, we’ve thought that best.
It’s ..actually…not (in my opinion now).
Yes..different.
Yes, muscle memory stands in the way for a few times initially, but ultimately…better none the less.
Being able to fully see the screen in front of the yoke (versus trying to look over or under or through the steering wheel) is just…wow. Great and So nice to not have that annoyance anymore.
Initating FSD or turning it off now is super convenient and you can configure as literally one push.
It’s right at your thumb and honestly, once ur familiar, NONE of the stuff needs taking ur eyes off the road and is quicker and better than say, how you initiate FSD on the 3 or Y or old school stalk style of the older version S or X
For freeway driving and faster driving where your turns have less overall span, the Yoke is just…better and joy, the ONLY area I think IS more of adjustment and you have to learn a “little” different way of doing things (or being more aware until you do) is with the slower sweeping turns where your doing hand over hand on the wheel;
and for which the yoke is fully capable, but you just need to figure out for you, what way you like best to hold as you turn (whether your palming the yoke or going hand over hand or, etc.)
Getting out of the car though IS a bit weird now, as..I never realized (till the yoke) that I apparently (historically) would grab the top of the steering wheel normally to aid in my exit. Not there (lol).
. Well…that’s a valid point. I guess if it’s that serious (to warrant capping off a bunch of rounds), relationally, the hearing loss would prove smaller price then the likely alternative cost. That said, think I’ll shoot for the mechanical door open. ;-)
