the Tesla Model 3 has received strong safety ratings for pedestrian protection:
Euro NCAP
- The Tesla Model 3 scored well in Euro NCAP's pedestrian protection tests, with good protection provided to pedestrians' legs and pelvis area at all test locations [1].- However, the protection provided to the head of struck pedestrians was mixed, with poor performance seen at the base of the windshield and on the stiff windshield pillars [1].
IIHS
- The IIHS rated the Tesla Model 3's front crash prevention system as "Superior" for pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking during the day [4].Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Testing by SAE International found the Tesla Model 3's Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system performed well in detecting and responding to stationary pedestrian targets, with high avoidance rates at 25 and 35 mph [2].- The AEB system was able to detect pedestrians with and without reflective safety vests, demonstrating robust performance in different visibility conditions [2].
Active Hood
- The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with an active hood safety feature that raises the hood in a pedestrian impact to provide additional clearance and cushioning [3].However, some earlier tests have found limitations in the Model 3's pedestrian detection capabilities. A 2021 Korea NCAP test reportedly showed the Model 3 hitting some pedestrian dummies at various speeds [5]. Tesla has likely made improvements to the pedestrian detection systems since then.
Overall, the available evidence indicates the Tesla Model 3 provides good pedestrian protection through a combination of advanced safety features like AEB, active hood technology, and a robust vehicle structure. But there may still be some room for improvement, especially in protecting pedestrians' heads in certain impact scenarios.
Citations:[1] https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/tesla/model%2B3/37573
[2] https://saemobilus.sae.org/papers/assessment-tesla-model-3s-forward-collision-warning-automatic-emergency-braking-systems-a-stationary-pedestrian-target-2024-01-2482
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeyfXJQ1gP0
[4] https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/tesla/model-3-4-door-sedan/2022
[5] https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/story/self-driving-tesla-model-3-runs-down-child-dummy-in-safety-test-watch-video-344314-2022-08-10