That's a pretty cynical calculation to make. And no, we don't typically accept untested additional risk in the name of saving untold later. We test first. There's a reason why drugs are tested on animals first, then trials, then broad availability, but still with scrutiny and standards. This is a well trod philosophical argument, but we seem to have accepted that we don't kill a few to save others. We don't fly with untested jet engines. We don't even sell cars without crashing a few to test them. The other companies involved in self driving technology have been in testing mode. They have not skipped a step and headed straight for broad availability.

Why then does Tesla have a pass? There's no evidence it's actually safer. And there's no evidence that the company is truthful. We don't accept when a pharmaceutical company says, "no, it's good. Trust us." That would be crazy. We should not accept Tesla's assurances with blind faith simply because they have better marketing and a questionable ethical standard.

http://driving.ca/tesla/model-s/auto-news/news/iihs-study-sh...