Despite having a technologically advanced EV, this Tesla owner didn’t check over their shoulder to see the dashcam owner in the fast lane.
Inland Empire commuter and Redditor /u/HappySnackers shared head-shaking dashcam footage from the 215 from earlier in August (Aug 2, 2026) on the /r/IdiotsInCars subreddit, showing a driver in their Tesla Model Y making a multi-lane change across 4 lanes, nearly sideswiping OP in the fast lane.
Check out their bonehead no-look lane change in the dashcam footage below with the original Reddit thread linked here.
The incident happened on the 215 (Riverside Freeway) just before Exit 37 onto Iowa Ave (exact location on Google Maps linked here.)
OP is seen driving westbound down the 215 into Riverside in the fast lane of this 5-lane interstate highway.
Over the course of several seconds and from Lane #1, a driver in a Tesla Model Y can be seen signaling and making their way across the entire freeway towards the fast lane.
Seemingly, without looking, the Model Y driver then tries to change lanes into the fast lane despite OP being right there.
Thankfully, OP sees this coming from a mile away (literally), slams on his brakes, and honks.
The Model Y driver gets their way and can be seen speeding off into the distance as OP accelerates.
“OMG,” OP exclaims. “You have a f***ing sensor”
It’s worth noting that, contrary to popular belief, Teslas don’t rely on sensors to warn drivers of vehicles in their blind spots but do use cameras instead.
As shown, despite Teslas having the ability to “eliminate” blind spots for drivers, drivers can still physically force themselves into dangerous lane changes.
“Just before the car enters the last lane you can see the car try to jerk straight (the little swerve) because it was trying to avoid an accident and definitely beeping and blooping at the driver that there was someone there…. driver yanked the wheel to get over anyway (you actually need to use a fair bit of force to overcome the safety features) and stepped on the accelerator waaay too late instead,” /u/SheSends replied to a top comment asking if these Teslas have warning alerts.
“Even the most advanced cars on the planet can’t fix stupid (and I own a Tesla). Seriously. You have your rear view mirrors, side mirrors, blind spotters on the damn console pad that glow bright red if it’s not safe to change lanes when you turn on your blinker. Like what else do drivers need?,” /u/xRobinShrbatskyx added.
In Riverside County, CA, an unsafe lane change under California Vehicle Code §22107 is typically a $238 total bail/fine amount (base fine plus assessments) and carries 1 DMV point. (Riverside Superior Court)
A four-lane change (lane 1 to lane 5) would generally be considered a more serious unsafe lane movement because of the number of lanes crossed, but the citation is usually still VC 22107 unless another violation (such as failure to signal) is also cited. (shouselaw.com)
