Family Seeks to Remove Cybertruck from Roads Following Teen's Death in Accident | Carscoops

      Critics highlight design risks and EU regulations as a Connecticut family mourns a teenager

      7 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Malachi James, 14, was killed in a Christmas accident involving a Cybertruck.

      The family is advocating for the Cybertruck’s ban due to concerns regarding its weight and safety.

      These worries echo broader concerns many have about trucks in general.

      On Christmas evening, a Tesla Cybertruck driver reportedly drove into oncoming traffic and collided with a Toyota Corolla. Inside that vehicle was 14-year-old Malachi James, who died from his injuries. Now, his family is questioning whether the U.S. should follow Europe’s example and restrict Cybertruck usage on public roads.

      “We are determined to explore options to see if we can get them removed from the streets,” said Royael Saez, Malachi’s aunt, in a statement to WTNH.

      “We don’t support something like this; it’s like a tank.” The family contends that the Cybertruck is simply too large and fast to coexist safely with regular traffic. “From what we understand, it’s already banned throughout Paris, indicating that they recognize this vehicle shouldn’t be on the road,” Saez noted.

      More: Authorities in Germany Consider Tesla Cybertruck Too Unsafe for Sale in Europe

      While the Cybertruck complies with U.S. safety regulations and has received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, experts emphasize that its size and weight significantly affect crash severity. We’ll revisit those points later.

      Trucks Are Increasing in Size, Along with Associated Risks

      Dr. Eric Jackson from the Connecticut Transportation Institute stated, “They are very large vehicles; they are very heavy vehicles…with a unibody structure, meaning it’s a solid frame throughout.”

      He mentioned that the Cybertruck features 11 cameras that capture sensor data during collisions, aiding investigators in analyzing accidents. The lightest model of the Cybertruck weighs 6,634 pounds, as per Tesla’s website.

      While the James family's concerns center on Tesla's innovative truck, it is important to recognize that the Cybertruck is not alone in its dimensions or weight. The Rivian R1T weighs approximately 6,800 pounds. Standard-sized pickups from Ford, GM, and Stellantis can weigh just as much or even more.

      Heavy-duty trucks such as the Ford F-350, GMC Sierra 3500 HD, and RAM 3500 can exceed 7,000 pounds and are significantly larger than any Cybertruck.

      Regardless of their engine type or design, heavier vehicles generally perform worse across several critical safety metrics on public roads. Braking, handling, and visibility are all compromised in comparison to typical commuter vehicles.

      While critics often emphasize the Cybertruck's angular design, it’s important to recognize that all trucks likely warrant much more scrutiny than they currently receive.

      Regarding the case that has devastated the James family, police have apprehended the suspect. He has 11 pending cases prior to this incident, including one for reckless driving. Footage from the scene appears to show him speeding and passing vehicles in the oncoming lane just moments before the tragic crash. Such behavior is hazardous in any vehicle, not exclusively a large, angular pickup.