Tesla Cybertruck Owner Warns of Door Pinch Hazards: A Cautionary Tale
The Tesla Cybertruck has gained notoriety for its unconventional design and unique features, but safety concerns surrounding the vehicle’s doors have recently emerged. A Cybertruck owner shared a cautionary tale on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, warning others of the potential dangers posed by the sharp edges of the electric pickup’s doors. The owner’s father-in-law suffered a serious laceration when his finger got caught in the seam between the front and rear doors during a routine family outing.
According to the owner, his father-in-law mistakenly reached for the pillar-mounted door release, putting his hand in the wrong place just as his son was closing the rear passenger door. This unfortunate accident resulted in a trip to the emergency room and required seven stitches and a splint. While user error played a role in this incident, it highlights the need for owners to be vigilant when multiple people are entering and exiting the vehicle from the same side.
Tesla acknowledges the potential pinch hazards in the Cybertruck’s user manual, cautioning owners to beware of distractions and miscommunication between front and rear passengers that may lead to bodily harm. The manual specifically warns against neglecting the correct opening procedure for front and rear doors, emphasizing the risk of injury.
The placement of the door release button on the pillar has also come under scrutiny. It is flush with the pillar and located very close to the jamb, making it difficult to locate quickly. Tesla could have mitigated this potential for injury by placing the button further away or giving it a more prominent shape. However, it appears that the sleek and futuristic design of the Cybertruck took precedence over practicality and safety.
While pinch and crush hazards exist in various vehicles, Tesla’s design choices arguably increase the risks. The Cybertruck’s doors have a stopper that prevents them from immediately closing after release, allowing occupants to grab the door without it shutting on them. However, this safety feature retracts once the door is fully open, leaving room for potential injury.
The incident serves as a warning to Cybertruck owners and highlights the importance of being aware of potential hazards. It also prompts a discussion about the balance between aesthetics and safety in vehicle design. While the Cybertruck’s unique appearance is undoubtedly eye-catching, it is crucial to prioritize functionality and user safety to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, this cautionary tale highlights the need for Cybertruck owners and passengers to exercise caution when operating the vehicle’s doors. It also raises questions about design choices and the balance between form and function in automotive design. By sharing his family’s painful experience, the owner hopes that others can learn from their mistake and avoid similar incidents in the future.