Despite having some of the best safety ratings in the industry, people involved in a Tesla collision are more likely to perish.

A new study by iSeeCars analyzed fatal crash data from the NHTSA between 2018 and 2022 to determine which vehicles tended to have the highest fatality rates per billion miles driven. If you wagered a guess, it was probably “Ford Mustang,” due to the crowd memes, or some other American muscle car.

But you’d be wrong. The study placed two Tesla models, the S and Y, at the top of the list. Experts determined that the Model Y in particular had three times the typical fatality rate than any other car listed. The IIHS rates both as some of the safest cars on the road.

So, if they’re both so great, why did the results sway so far into the negative for ol’ Musky? Both models have a long list of standard safety features that have saved plenty of other occupants, prompting experts to believe it wasn’t a defect of the manufacturing or software. 

Instead, the study found that many Model S or Y drivers tended to hand Jesus the wheel. In other words, they simply weren’t paying attention. 

It’s all in the name

Currently, the NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s “Full-Self Driving” and “Autopilot” due to their potentially misleading names. The investigation states the false sense of security gives drivers the confidence to leave their Tesla to make decisions and nap.

If the driver can’t or won’t take control when the still-developing software makes a critical mistake, this technology can actually lead to more fatal crashes.

Third and fourth on the list of most fatal accidents were the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Hyundai Venue. Drivers of both tend to become distracted, which directly increases the number of pedestrian deaths.

Distracted driving is illegal in all 50 states. Several major cities are cracking down on the use of phones and infotainment systems while driving a several thousand-pound car. 

For example, Bend, Oregon will issue a $250 ticket for the first offense. If authorities ticket someone again within 10 years, they increase the fine to $750. If they’re involved in an accident within that time and authorities determine texting caused it, the fine becomes $1,000. That can often include time behind bars, too.

Utah follows closely, imposing a maximum distracted driving fine of $750 and adding up to 50 points to a license. Illinois is the happiest to suspend a driver’s license for distracted driving.

Interestingly enough, distracted driving is illegal in Montana, but there are no laws about texting specifically.