Meteorite Strikes Moving Tesla in Australia, Driver Survives

Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith, driving his newly purchased Tesla Model Y in South Australia, experienced a rare and dangerous event when a meteorite struck his car's windshield at highway speeds, causing a loud explosion, shattered glass, white smoke, and a burning smell. Despite the shock and temporary disorientation, the Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system engaged and safely kept the car on the road until it could be stopped, likely preventing a serious accident. Experts from the South Australian Museum and geologists are investigating the incident, noting the melted and burnt appearance of the glass as indicative of a high-temperature impact, possibly from a small iron or stone space fragment. This event is potentially the first recorded instance of a meteorite hitting a moving vehicle, highlighting both the rarity of such occurrences and the protective role of Tesla's FSD technology in unexpected emergencies. The incident has sparked interest in meteorite collisions, which have reportedly increased in recent years, and underscored the practical benefits of supervised automated driving systems. While Tesla owners remain divided on FSD's overall readiness, this case exemplifies its capacity to enhance safety under extraordinary circumstances.