## The Tesla Controversy: Why Some Feel Unsafe

The Tesla brand, once synonymous with innovation and the future of electric vehicles, is facing a growing wave of public concern. Recent incidents and a shift in public sentiment have led to both drivers and pedestrians expressing fears about their safety around these vehicles. One significant concern stems from reports of vandalism against Tesla vehicles and facilities. There have been at least 10 acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, or charging stations in recent weeks, highlighting a backlash that seems tied to Elon Musk’s public image and political stances [Source](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/tesla-facilities-face-wave-attacks-elon-musk-delves-politics-rcna195458). Some Tesla owners have even reported feeling unsafe due to the negative associations with the brand, leading some to sell their vehicles [Source](https://www.wonderwall.com/entertainment/tesla-drivers-share-fears-over-musk-backlash-869820.gallery). This demonstrates how public perception of a company’s leader can directly impact consumer confidence and feelings of security.

## Autonomous Driving: A Double-Edged Sword

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities have sparked significant debate, raising concerns about safety and regulatory compliance. While the technology promises a futuristic vision of transportation, its real-world implications have led to hesitation among consumers and scrutiny from authorities. One major concern revolves around the very name “Full Self-Driving.” Critics argue it misleads consumers into believing the system is more capable than it actually is, potentially leading to over-reliance and dangerous situations [Source](https://www.yahoo.com/news/britain-blocks-launch-elon-musk-140000186.html). Even though it’s branded as “full self-driving”, the technology is legally classified as a driver assistance system. This distinction places the responsibility on the driver, not the company, in the event of an accident. Regulatory hurdles are also slowing down the widespread adoption of FSD. For those in the UK, the UK has blocked the rollout of Tesla’s Full Self Driving [Source](https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/elon-musks-tesla-roadblocks-uk-self-driving-technology). The slow pace of regulatory approval, in the UK and other countries, “impacts Europe’s competitiveness,” said Marc Van Impe, Tesla’s former head of safety policy [Source](https://www.yahoo.com/news/britain-blocks-launch-elon-musk-140000186.html). These concerns are not unfounded. Ongoing investigations and reports of accidents involving Tesla vehicles operating in autonomous modes have raised questions. Texas has a lax approach to autonomous driving regulations that appeals to companies [Source](https://www.businessinsider.com/waymo-tesla-battle-in-austin-robotaxi-wars). Road safety groups and residents, however, remain concerned.

## Real Stories: Drivers Share Their Experiences

Real accounts from Tesla drivers reveal a concerning pattern of challenging situations. One computer scientist and autonomous tech company executive, who wished to remain anonymous, described how Tesla’s self-driving features can falter in unexpected scenarios: “It can make you drive really smoothly in normal situations, but when things get a little weird, you’ve got nothing” [Source](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2025/03/10/why-tesla-isnt-the-ai-powerhouse-musk-says-it-is/). This highlights the “edge cases” that the AI may struggle with, a concern echoed by AI expert Missy Cummings [Source](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2025/03/10/why-tesla-isnt-the-ai-powerhouse-musk-says-it-is/). Additionally, some Tesla owners are reporting feeling uneasy simply *driving* the vehicles. Due to increased public criticism of Elon Musk, Tesla cars, and particularly Cybertrucks, have reportedly been targeted with vandalism [Source](https://www.wonderwall.com/entertainment/tesla-drivers-share-fears-over-musk-backlash-869820.gallery).

## Officials Weigh In: Safety Experts Speak

Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of self-driving technology, particularly Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, raises significant questions about public safety. Industry experts and officials are weighing in, highlighting both existing protocols and areas needing further attention. Currently, Tesla’s FSD technology is under intense scrutiny. U.S. government highway safety agencies have criticized Tesla for statements suggesting their vehicles can drive themselves, emphasizing the need for clear communication and realistic expectations [Source](https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-03-06/tesla-robotaxi-explainer). The technology, while advanced, is not yet capable of fully autonomous driving, a point stressed by industry analysts who predict a long road ahead for Tesla to achieve true “robotaxi” services [Source](https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-03-06/tesla-robotaxi-explainer). Regulatory bodies are also stepping in to ensure safety. In the UK, officials have blocked the full rollout of Tesla’s self-driving technology, restricting its functionality [Source](https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/elon-musks-tesla-roadblocks-uk-self-driving-technology). These limitations reflect a broader concern across Europe, where only basic versions of systems like Tesla’s FSD are likely to be deployed in the near future [Source](https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/elon-musks-tesla-roadblocks-uk-self-driving-technology). The cautious approach underscores the need for rigorous testing and validation before widespread deployment.

## The Way Forward: Can Tesla Change the Narrative?

Facing a rising tide of skepticism, Tesla’s path to restoring public trust involves several key strategies. The company, once synonymous with innovation, has faced concerns ranging from product quality to the conduct of its CEO, Elon Musk. However, focusing on technological advancements and customer-centric improvements might offer a way forward. One crucial area is enhancing the transparency of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. By clearly communicating the capabilities and limitations of FSD, Tesla can manage expectations and foster a more realistic understanding of its autonomous driving systems. A commitment to rigorous safety testing and public reporting of results can build further credibility [Source](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-10/starlink-joins-tesla-in-feeling-the-backlash-to-musk-s-politics?srnd=ai-jobs-economy). Openly addressing past incidents and showcasing proactive measures to prevent future issues is also crucial. Moreover, doubling down on product quality and customer satisfaction initiatives, while also addressing current safety concerns, can directly counter negative perceptions. Reinforcing a focus on core values, like a commitment to sustainability and customer needs may help reposition the company.

## Sources

* [Bloomberg – Starlink Joins Tesla in Feeling the Backlash to Musk’s Politics](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-10/starlink-joins-tesla-in-feeling-the-backlash-to-musk-s-politics?srnd=ai-jobs-economy)
* [Business Insider – Waymo and Tesla battle in Austin in the robotaxi wars](https://www.businessinsider.com/waymo-tesla-battle-in-austin-robotaxi-wars)
* [Forbes – Why Tesla Isn’t The AI Powerhouse Musk Says It Is](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2025/03/10/why-tesla-isnt-the-ai-powerhouse-musk-says-it-is/)
* [GB News – Elon Musk’s Tesla faces roadblocks in UK over self-driving technology](https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/elon-musks-tesla-roadblocks-uk-self-driving-technology)
* [LA Times – Tesla ‘robotaxi’: What we know about Elon Musk’s planned reveal](https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-03-06/tesla-robotaxi-explainer)
* [NBC News – Tesla facilities face wave of attacks as Elon Musk delves into politics](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/tesla-facilities-face-wave-attacks-elon-musk-delves-politics-rcna195458)
* [Wonderwall.com – Tesla drivers share fears over Musk backlash](https://www.wonderwall.com/entertainment/tesla-drivers-share-fears-over-musk-backlash-869820.gallery)
* [Yahoo News – Britain blocks launch of Elon Musk’s ‘full self-driving’ Tesla cars](https://www.yahoo.com/news/britain-blocks-launch-elon-musk-140000186.html)