It seems like everyone is talking about Cybertrucks. Some sentiments are positive, with buyers revelling in their nearly 6-figure purchases. While others have harsh criticisms on design, safety, and practicality. No matter what feelings people may have for the silver triangle on wheels, there have been legitimate problems that not only risk the safety of the drivers/passengers, but also anyone unfortunate enough to be around while the vehicle has its problems.
Cybertruck’s Manufacturing Creates Hazards
Since its release in late November of 2023, Tesla’s futuristic attempt at a vehicle has had at least eight recalls. The newest one is because this truck has an enormous safety issue. Some of the forward panels near the windshield have detached during use, creating hazardous circumstances for the driver and/or nearby vehicles. Why is this happening to Cybertrucks when other cars rarely, if ever, have had this issue? The reason is that the panels are not welded, but instead glued on. Environmental factors such as water, dirt, and sand can cause this sub-par substance to erode, leading to panel detachment.
Even though this unusual-looking vehicle has passed government safety checks, it may still have safety issues that potentially caused the loss of multiple young lives. It is hypothesized that even though the truck may protect users from outside forces, it may not allow them to escape if there are any internal issues. Three teens have lost their lives because they were unable to escape the car after it caught on fire. MotorBiscuit also claims that the materials of the cabin may be too thick for life-saving tools such as the Jaws of Life.
They Are Now The Object of Politicism
Cybertrucks have now become the face of anti-Elon protests. Following Elon Musk’s highly publicized nazi salute, activists have taken to vandalizing Teslas to take a stand. One post by Andrew Hawkins shares how 34 trucks in an empty lot were spray-painted with anti-Elon rhetoric. Another potentially politically-motivated incident is when four more were set on fire, seemingly specifically, as no other cars or people were affected.
American activists are making their voices heard against a man who no one wanted in government. Despite having no form of election or democratic election, Elon has been assimilated into the government and is now the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This new department wants to save government money by cutting spending, like money going into the Department of Education. These extreme decisions are likely the fuel that activists’ anti-Elon fire runs on.
Concluding Remarks
There is no doubt that Cybertrucks and their parent company, Tesla, are currently the talk of the town. They have notorious safety issues that have already claimed young adults’ lives in place of their passing safety rating. In addition, they have become the target of protests against the current governmental environment of which includes Tesla’s major shareholder and Cybertruck creator, Elon Musk. The safest thing that one can do is to avoid these steel triangle-terrors for the safety of yourself and others.
