A Tesla’s roof is stronger than you think

Last updated on April 22nd, 2020 at 11:29 am

A video on YouTube has emerged of a Tesla Model 3 running into a concrete lampost, which is estimated to weigh around a ton (~900kg). The accident occurred after the Model 3 driver had to swerve out of the way of a turning vehicle – a VW Beetle; the Tesla then ran straight into a pole, which consequently dropped onto the roof of the car.

The accident highlights the strength of the Model 3, which should put some people's minds at rest; as some believed the all-glass roof wouldn't be safe enough to withstand impact. Had it not been for a strong roof, the driver Bernie Daigle and his two-year-old son could have been severely injured or worse, killed. Both Daigle and his son walked out unscaved.

An image from the accident was shared with influencer ‘LikeTesla' and can be seen, below:

How strong is a Model 3 roof? Fellow @Tesla driver Bernie Daigle found out today. The car protected him & his 2 year old who walked away unharmed.
Video shows how it happened! Photo via Bernie Diagle jrhttps://t.co/U8xJV4LTb6#Tesla #LikeTesla #ModelS #ModelX #Model3 pic.twitter.com/wOIM8z3ryj

— LikeTesla (@LikeTeslaKim) September 29, 2019

News of this accident has circulated the web, as most doubters have been (pleasantly) surprised at the result; there's now photographic and video evidence showing the car's safety outside of a controlled test.

This won't come as news to Tesla, however, as the Model 3 is among the safest cars in the world. Earlier this year the car earned a 5-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which adds to its glowing overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in the United States.