Tesla's claim of safest car ever muted by NHTSA

By Marc Castro

Aug 22, 2013 01:43 PM EDT

In a bit of oneupmanship, the Natonal Highway Traffic Safety Administration is tempering the claim of Tesla Motor's as having a crash test rating that is higher than five stars. According to the agency, the Tesla Model S was a 'stellar performer' but the claim was not entirely accurate.

According to Safercar.gov, the Tesla Model S had scored five stars on all crash test categories. The branch of the NHTSA, this was what it earned, 'no more, no less.'

Officially, it said, "The agency's 5 star Safety Ratings progeam is designed to provide consumers with intormation about the crash protection. NHTSA does not rate vehicles beyond 5 stars and does not rank or order vehicles within the star ratings."

According to the Federal Highway Administration back in 2008, the cost of traffic deaths per person in terms of 2005 money is worth USD3.2 million. The Automobile Association of America estimated the cost of traffic crashes at USD166.7 billion, which is broken down into emergency services, property damage and loss of quality of life.

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