This TeslaCam video captures the moment when a busy racing motorcyclist decides to hit the mirror of a Tesla Model 3. The mirror seems to survive the strike, but the motorcyclist drives away, thus escaping the scene.
This is not the first time we have seen a motorcyclist intentionally hit the mirror of a Tesla and it will not be the last. In this instance, it all happens so fast (and the video quality is pretty poor) that we can not figure out the license plate on the oncoming motorcycle.
Typically, when we watch a video like this, the first question is what did the Tesla driver do to deserve this? Well, in this case, we see the Model 3 driver doing nothing wrong. The Tesla is in the HOV lane and is past traffic. The only issue may be that Autopilot is attached to the right side of the lane and this, in turn, leads the motorcyclist to believe that the Tesla is blocking him from the legal act of lane splitting.
This theory was raised and discussed in a previously similar incident. Here is the question / answer that details this in comments on that previous YouTube video:
Question: The only thing I can think of is that you were too close to the track on the right. If you used autopilot, it usually does. If I split lanes, most Tesla cars would be near the distribution lane and it would make it difficult for you to get through. Or, as someone else already said, you had prior encounter with that fella. Do you have his license plate?
Answer: I tested that Theory of Autopilot, and I think you’m right, and No, the Cam could not get the license plate, it was not clear, it happened so fast before I could realize what had happened that he was far away, but thanks now I know what happened.
This is just a reminder to note that Autopilot may make you look like a driver with a line hugging, so be careful.
This new video was recorded in Los Angeles, where split distribution is legal. The video description simply states:
My Tesla Model 3 is accidentally hit by a man on a motorcycle. Happened in Los Angeles on the 105 eastbound at 7 a.m. on 7/31/20. Unprovoked.
