3 Dead

The Tesla Cybertruck was recently involved in its first reported crash on December 28, 2024, in California’s Piedmont area, near Palo Alto. The collision occurred on Skyline Boulevard when a southbound Toyota Corolla lost control, veered off the road, hit an embankment, and crossed into the Cybertruck’s lane. The two vehicles collided head-on, resulting in significant damage to the Toyota and minor injuries to the Cybertruck driver, who declined medical assistance. The other passengers in the Cybertruck and the Corolla’s driver were unharmed.

This incident highlighted the Cybertruck’s automated emergency systems. After the airbags deployed, the vehicle automatically alerted emergency services, a feature Tesla introduced in recent years for all its models. The Cybertruck, known for its stainless steel exoskeleton and angular design, sustained noticeable damage, though it fared better than the Toyota. The event has raised questions about the safety of the Cybertruck’s design, particularly its hard exterior, which experts worry might pose risks in collisions with smaller vehicles or to pedestrians.

Safety concerns regarding the Cybertruck’s unique build were amplified by this crash. Its rigid, stainless steel body is designed to be highly durable but may transfer more force during collisions, potentially exacerbating injuries to occupants of other vehicles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously dismissed such concerns, stating the Cybertruck would be safer than conventional trucks. The crash is under further investigation, though it did not involve Tesla’s self-driving capabilities.

This incident is likely to prompt more scrutiny of the Cybertruck’s safety and its implications for road-sharing with smaller vehicles and pedestrians. For now, it marks a significant real-world test of Tesla’s newest vehicle’s durability and emergency features.