Slate Daily Feed What Next: TBD | Trapped in a Tesla
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Sep 28, 2025 Dana Hull, a Senior reporter at Bloomberg who specializes in Tesla and EV safety, dives into the troubling safety issues surrounding Tesla's unique door handles. She discusses how these flush electronic handles can trap occupants during crashes, making escape challenging. Hull explains the dual battery systems complicating rescues and highlights a concerning lack of awareness among passengers. With a recent NHTSA investigation underway, she emphasizes the need for better safety standards and practical advice for Tesla owners.
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Fatal Cybertruck Rescue Failure
- Krista Sukahara survived a crash but died when a Cybertruck caught fire and rescuers couldn't open the doors.
- A friend smashed a window to pull out one passenger but could not reach Krista before flames consumed the cabin.
Bystanders Struggle To Rescue Model Y Occupant
- In Northern Virginia a Model Y crash left a driver and his wife trapped while bystanders frantically tried to break windows.
- Rescuers used screwdrivers, water bottles and knives until the rescue squad cut the door open and the wife was airlifted to a burn unit.
Sleek Handles Create Exit Dependence
- Tesla's flush or non-existent external handles are electrically powered and pop out with the key fob, creating a sleek aerodynamic design.
- That design means occupants must know a specific interior manual emergency override to exit if electronics fail.