The theme of Tesla car safety back in the spotlight, but this time it's not about autonomous driving, but rather the emergency management linked toManual door openingA tragic accident, which occurred in Toronto last October, led to the death of four people aboard a Tesla Model Y, which caught fire after hitting a guardrail. The occupants they failed to escape, since the doors did not open due to a fault to the electronic system, which prevented the use of the handles. Despite the timely intervention of a passerby who broke the window to save the only survivor, a young woman, the accident raised serious safety concerns of electronic handles and on theaccessibility of the manual opening system in case of emergency.
Tesla: The problem with electric door handles when there is a fault
Tesla has introduced a fully electronic opening system in its cars, including the Model 3 and Model Y. While this system offers aaerodynamic and modern design, in emergency situations it may not work if the electronic system fails. If the vehicle is not powered or if the system malfunctions, the doors may remain locked, trapping the passengers.
The Toronto incident has highlighted just how this electronic opening system could be dangerous in case of emergency. The young woman saved by the passerby tried desperately to open the door, but the electronic system did not respondThe rescuer had to break the window to extract her alive, instead of being able to open the door normally.
Tesla Emergency: How to Manually Open the Doors
Tesla, however, has foreseen an emergency solution which allows for monitoring the open the doors manually, also because no vehicle could be approved in Europe without this type of emergency opening system.
In the event of an electrical fault or power failure, the doors can be unlocked manually. The procedure is not complicated but requires some knowledge of the system by drivers and passengers, who are often unaware of the instructions for use. Let's see what to do in case of emergency and in the absence of power.
Opening the front doors
for front doors of Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the manual opening procedure involves lift a hidden lever near the window controls. This simple movement allows you to open the door manually, but it can be difficult to perform in a panic situation, when lucidity may be lacking.
Opening the rear doors
Le rear doors, if equipped with manual release, require a more complex process:
For Model Y
- Remove the mat from the door pocket.
- Press a red tab to remove the access door.
- Pull the mechanical opening cable to open the door.
For Model 3
- At the bottom of the rear door pocket is a slot in front of the release cover. Slide your finger into the slot and lift up to remove the cover.
- Pull the mechanical opening cable forward.
These operations are not intuitive and may be difficult to perform, especially in stressful situations.
Warning: The manual door unlocking is designed to be used only in situations where cars run out of power. When powered, use the button on the top of the inside door handle. Also, do not use the manual door unlocking while the vehicle is moving.
Emergency door opening: greater awareness needed
The Toronto tragedy raises a fundamental question: how much they are aware drivers and passengers of the manual opening system in an emergency? Tesla includes this information in the Vehicle Owner's Manual, but many drivers fail to read it carefully. A thorough understanding of the instructions could prevent panic situations and provide vital information on how to manually open doors, initiate emergency braking, and handle an electronic system failure.
Electric door handles: Investigation launched in Germany
This is not an isolated issue. In 2022, an accident in Germany involved a Tesla Model S that caught fire after going off the road. Two passengers were trapped in the car, and rescuers failed to open the doors, slowing the rescue and contributing to the deaths of the passengers. This accident led to theKBA launches investigation (Federal Transport Authority) on the safety of electronic handles. The investigations have highlighted how the failure of the handles can represent a serious safety risk in case of emergency.
The incident in Germany has prompted authorities to call for a Review of technical solutions adopted by Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers.
Technology must not compromise safety
La tech, while being innovative and advanced, must never compromise safety in emergency situations. The balance between innovation and awareness is key to ensuring that vehicles, even the most technologically advanced ones, remain safe for everyone.
To avoid future tragedies, Tesla and other electric car manufacturers may consider introducing More intuitive and easy-to-use emergency opening systems. In addition, drivers should receive adequate training regarding vehicle operation, with particular attention to safety procedures. Automakers could also make manual opening system more visible inside vehicles, so that even occasional passengers can be informed about what to do in the event of a breakdown.
