It was an ordinary day with extraordinary consequences for TikToker Brianna Janel, who found herself trapped inside her Tesla during a scorching summer afternoon. What began as a routine software update turned into a 40-minute ordeal, with temperatures inside the vehicle reportedly soaring to a stifling 115°F. The incident, captured in a series of distressing videos that amassed over 18.3 million views, highlights potential risks associated with modern automotive technology.
Brianna, who was eagerly awaiting her Chick-fil-A order, initiated the Tesla’s software update, expecting it to conclude in 24 minutes. However, she quickly realized that exiting the vehicle wasn’t an option without risking damage to her car.
As the temperature inside climbed, Brianna described feeling like she was “roasting like a freakin’ chicken,” a dire situation exacerbated by her inability to open doors or windows. “I’m dripping sweat,” she recounted in one of her viral videos, underscoring the severity of the heat she endured.
Tesla: The Manual Release Dilemma
Tesla’s user manual explicitly warns against opening the vehicle during updates, cautioning that it could impair the car’s functionality.
The potential costs of such damage are not trivial, considering the substantial investment required to own a Tesla Model 3 or Model X. This left Brianna in a precarious position, choosing between potential health risks and financial repercussions.
TikToker says she was trapped in 115-degree heat after her Tesla locked her inside during a software update https://t.co/SuMNB30aAh
— Insider (@thisisinsider) April 13, 2024
The online community was divided over Brianna’s plight. Some criticized her decision not to use the emergency manual release, while others pointed fingers at Tesla, labeling the situation a “huge safety issue.”
Brianna, for her part, maintained that she would have opted to exit the vehicle if she truly felt her health was in jeopardy. “I was slightly freaking out, I hope I don’t run out of air,” she expressed during her ordeal.
After the Ordeal: Relief and Reflection
Emerging from the vehicle drenched in sweat, Brianna’s relief was palpable. “The AC has never felt so good, and I’ve never felt better,” she exclaimed, reflecting on her experience. Despite the incident, her affection for her Tesla remains unchanged, describing it as “a good vehicle.”
However, she now advises others to avoid updating their cars while inside, suggesting overnight updates as a safer alternative.
A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
This incident raises important questions about the safety protocols of software updates in modern vehicles. As cars become increasingly reliant on technology, ensuring that safety features remain operational during updates is paramount.
Manufacturers may need to consider mechanisms that allow for emergency exits without compromising the vehicle’s integrity or safety.
Tesla has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this incident, but the dialogue it has sparked among consumers is significant. As we continue to embrace automotive innovations, it is crucial to balance technological advancements with fundamental safety assurances.
This event is a stark reminder that in the realm of modern automotive technology, user experience and safety must go hand in hand. Brianna Janel’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for the digital age—where convenience and progress can occasionally clash with the basic need for safety and comfort.
