Onboard cameras captured the moment a Tesla Model 3 lost traction and crashed into a utility pole.
The accident happened a few days ago, apparently, at an undisclosed location, although the car does seem to wear New York license plates.
Video: “OMG, OMG” Tesla Model 3 Aquaplanes And Crashes With Autopilot Engaged
A calm drive at moderate speeds on a four-lane road, near a junction, with the lights green and almost no one else in sight, bar a Ford truck on the far right, waiting for the lights to turn green – what could go wrong?
Many things actually, as this driver learned the hard way after hitting a puddle that seemingly caused the car to aquaplane out of control. The electric sedan spun 180 degrees and hit a utility pole, next to the aforementioned pickup truck, narrowly missing it – or so it seems. Right before it came to a full stop, it also hit the curb, which extended the damages to the front end as well.
Screenshot YouTube@Tufflaw
As the aftermath pictures revealed, the Model 3 had more than a few bruises. The battle scars were visible on the boot lid, bumper, taillights, right rear fender, front bumper and left headlamp. At a first glance, the structure does not appear to have been affected, so at least it’s not a write-off.
Fortunately, despite the severe impact, the driver walked away with no injuries whatsoever, as he explained in the description of the video shared online.
“Driving in the rain and the car started hydroplaning, lost control and the car turned 180 degrees and smashed into a pole”, YouTube user Tufflaw said in the posting. “Just me alone in the car, no injuries at all. Car’s not doing too well though. I’m amazed that I walked away without a scratch.”