News
Tesla Autopilot and FSD Beta can be a remedy for drivers with PTSD — even in their imperfect state
It took Tesla owner Matthew Kerle a whole month to get behind the wheel of a car and drive on the highway once more. And when he did, things were not the same.
Just a few weeks before, Kerle was riding in his friend’s Pontiac Grand Am when the driver approached a sharp curve too fast. It was dusk, and the road was unfamiliar. Upon realizing that they were about to crash, Kerle braced for impact, planting his feet on the car’s floor and clenching his iPhone as tightly as he could in his hand. The driver tried to slow down, but it was not enough, and the vehicle started rolling. The impact was so violent that Kerle’s iPhone and shoes were wrenched from his hands and feet.
Things moved in slow motion at that point. Kerle hoped that the vehicle would roll a couple of times and he and his friends could get out. But it was not to be. Rolling in a car is one of Kerle’s biggest fears, but he steeled himself, hoping that the vehicle would eventually stop. It did, but the rolling sensation and shower of broken glass were quickly replaced by a sudden rush of cold, dark water. Unlike in the movies where the water slowly rises when a car falls into water, Kerle and his friends were immediately submerged.
The aftermath of Kerle’s accident. (Credit: Matthew Kerle)
It took a significant degree of faith and some luck, but Kerle was eventually able to get out of the overturned Pontiac. Upon reaching solid ground, he saw that his four other friends were still underwater. Injured, exhausted, and shaking from the experience, Kerle called out for his friends. Fortunately, all four emerged from the water, some more injured than the others. But the group’s tribulations were not done yet, as they had to walk almost a mile to find help. Kerle ended up in the hospital, where he recovered from his injuries. But as he went home days later, he realized that things were no longer the same.
The harrowing experience with the crash and near-death experience gave Kerle PTSD. He found himself unable to drive at speed or at night. Going over railroad tracks was a trigger, and even showers were not a respite as the sound of the water hitting his ears triggered flashbacks of the accident. Kerle’s physical injuries healed, but the mental scars of his near-death experience stayed. He eventually started driving again, but it was a constant mental battle. He could drive, but there were still times when the trauma of the accident came back.
A Hidden Issue
Kerle’s experience is not unique among American drivers. A survey conducted by online insurance comparison service The Zebra revealed that about 66% of Americans experience driving anxiety, with 55% reporting that they feel it while performing common driving maneuvers. Out of those who experienced anxiety behind the wheel, 26% stated that they were most anxious when merging into the highway and 19% stated that they were most anxious when they are backing up or reversing. About 62% of Americans also reported having a past traumatic driving experience.
Dr. Rachel Cavallaro, a licensed Psychologist with Thriveworks in Boston, informed Teslarati that vehicular accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in the general population. Considering that there are 6 million car accidents in the United States with over 2.5 million injuries, this is not a surprise. A study from the American Psychological Association also revealed that car accidents are the number one trauma for men and the second most frequent trauma for women. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) further revealed that 39.2% of motor vehicle accident survivors develop some form of PTSD as well.
Credit: The Zebra
“Many people with these conditions avoid driving altogether. If they do decide to drive, they endure it with intense anxiety such as heart palpitations, sweating, muscle tension, an underlying feeling of restlessness, or irritability. These individuals may go to great lengths to avoid highways or roads they view as dangerous. For individuals who have PTSD symptoms, they may have intrusive thoughts or memories which further interfere with their ability to attend to the road. In more severe cases, the individual may experience flashbacks or dissociate,” Cavallaro said.
Needless to say, Kerle’s experiences and the challenges he faced in his recovery are shared by numerous other drivers in the United States. Jay Varela, a therapist from Thriveworks in Roanoke, outlined some of the issues typically faced by drivers who struggle with PTSD on the road, and Kerle’s experiences were on the dot.
“It can be extremely challenging for someone suffering from PTSD or driving phobia to drive a vehicle on their own. Individuals with PTSD struggle with ‘triggers’ that remind them of their traumatic experiences. Vehicular accident survivors can experience many triggers while driving, such as the makes and models of cars, weather conditions, or noises. Such triggers can lead to a fight-or-flight response. Fight-or-flight responses can make it difficult to maintain safe driving habits. Furthermore, individuals may engage in ‘safety behaviors’ to manage their symptoms. These can include stopping suddenly, driving well below the speed limit, or becoming fixated on the rearview mirror,” Varela said.
An Imperfectly Useful Solution
For Kerle, his driving experiences took a turn for the better in 2019 when he took delivery of his Tesla Model 3. By then, he was living in a Phoenix suburb and his commute was very long. Since electric vehicles have lane access, he figured that a Tesla could help him get to work and home faster. Kerle admitted that Tesla’s tech intrigued him, and because he is more of a tech guy than a car guy, he could not stay away from Autopilot. It should be noted that back in 2019, Autopilot is nowhere near as refined as it is today, but for Kerle, it was already life-changing.
“When you work with a system long enough, you start to understand it,” Kerle told Teslarati, adding that when he first got Autopilot, he tended to distrust the driver-assist system since it would behave differently than a human driver. But over time and as he got more used to Autopilot’s behaviors, Kerle started realizing that Tesla’s driver-assist technologies are really optimized for safety. The car may not behave like a human driver at times, but it is careful nonetheless.
“After a while, you’re like, ‘All right, I know in situations like this, here’s how it’s going to respond.’ It is going to slow down three car lengths nearby. It’s gonna make it. It’s not gonna cause an accident. And then you start to build a trust and an understanding. And so what I’d say is that you really learn what (Autopilot) does really well and areas that it might not be perfect. You can’t just blindly trust it to do everything and not pay attention, so I really view the relationship between a driver and FSD or Autopilot as a partnership, with the driver taking the role of a supervisor,” Kerle said.
Eventually, Kerle noted that even Autopilot’s rather strange behaviors are rooted in safety. He told Teslarati about an experience in which Autopilot moved over and sharply jerked back to its original lane. Initially, Kerle thought it was a bug that needed to be reported, but he soon realized that his car jerked back because a careless driver was speeding on the adjacent lane. Had he intervened then and completed the lane change, Kerle noted that he might have ended up being involved in a crash again.
“When you’re changing lanes, what do you do? You look in your mirror, you turn, you turn and look for cars, and your field of view is very narrow, and you’re taking your eyes off all of the other parts of the road. That is actually a very dangerous thing, and it causes a lot of accidents. Autopilot can see every direction. Now it understands time space. It understands based where cars are, where they’re doing to be, and what they’re doing.
“And it making a lane change is actually very safe because it understands what’s going on around it better than a human would. So I think that as supervisors, as it is shifting to become a lot better than humans in a lot of cases, one of the most dangerous things that we can do is take over when it actually has it, because we can mess it up,” Kerle said.
Kerle is now married with a growing family, so he has bought a Tesla Model X to make sure his kids are as safe as possible. He is also now part of the company’s FSD Beta program, which allows him to use automatic driving on inner-city streets.
An Infinitely Useful Work in Progress
For Cavallaro, the presence of driver-assist systems that take the stress of driving tasks is invaluable today since the systems could help reduce the fear of driving while increasing the feeling of safety. Varela adds that the presence of automated driving features in vehicles could help individuals suffering from PTSD or driving phobia maintain their independence.
“Many individuals with PTSD and/or driving phobia may feel unable to drive and this can lead to a loss of independence. Such a loss may have serious impacts on occupational, social, and overall personal functioning. Automated driving systems may help them regain their independence by reducing mental strain and safeguarding against dangerous safety behaviors,” Varela said.
Both Tesla Autopilot and FSD Beta are a work in progress, and there is also no denying the fact that the company’s self-driving efforts are running quite late. But having seen the rate of improvement in both Autopilot and FSD Beta, Kerle believes that it is just a matter of time before Tesla attains actual autonomous driving. Even in their current form and capabilities, Kerle highlighted that Autopilot and FSD Beta had shown him just how much stress manual driving could bring.
“Before I got my Model 3, because of my PTSD, I did not understand how much stress driving to work caused me. When I got FSD and when I got comfortable with it, I had significantly more energy and significantly less stress — by a significant margin — like, other people noticed. And so, I did not really understand how much stress driving and rush hour traffic for an hour each way adds to your life and how exhausting it is to your body. And FSD Beta, yes, you have to supervise and pay attention, but it still removes a massive amount of stress and exhaustion.
“I’m supervising, I’m making sure it’s driving safely, but I don’t have to worry ‘Is that car in front of me gonna slam on its brakes, and do I need to react in a quarter of a second or crash?’ ‘If I’m changing lanes, do I have to be stressed about a situation that I can’t see and can’t control, but need to see where I’m gonna crash?’ All of those little, little things that you’re constantly fixated on while you’re driving are removed to just ensuring that the system is driving properly and safely. The stress reduction is insane,” Kerle said.
A Note from the Author
As someone who deals with driving anxiety and sudden OCD tendencies on the road, this article strikes close to home. Unfortunately, Tesla is not available everywhere yet, and it’s no secret that the company’s vehicles, at least for now, still cater to buyers of premium vehicles. For those who shop at the lower end of the auto market, manual driving is still the norm, and it could be for a while. With this in mind, it is pertinent to know what to do to lessen the mental strain of driving, and where to seek help.
Ken Goodman, one of the board of directors for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the creator of The Anxiety Solution Series, informed Teslarati that drivers who are suffering from driving anxiety should start with easier forms of driving first, and work their way up to more difficult tasks later. Goodman noted that starting with neighborhood driving is a good idea, before transitioning to highway driving later on. Driving on the fast lane could also come later when drivers become a bit more comfortable behind the wheel.
Ultimately, however, Goodman advised that the best solution is still to see a therapist that specializes in the treatment of driving anxiety.
Cavallaro, for her part, added that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and associated approaches could help drivers who are suffering from PTSD and driving phobia. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been empirical validated and supported for PTSD as well as associated anxiety disorders. Additionally, Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are specific forms of CBT that were created to treat PTSD,” she said.
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Elon Musk
Elon Musk calls out $2 trillion SpaceX IPO valuation as ‘BS’
In a swift rebuke on X, Elon Musk dismissed reports claiming SpaceX had confidentially filed for an initial public offering targeting a valuation above $2 trillion, labeling the information as unreliable.
Elon Musk is quick to call out any false information regarding him or his companies on his social media platform, known as X.
A recent report that claimed SpaceX was aiming to go public with an IPO in the coming weeks at a massive valuation of $2 trillion was called out by Musk, who referred to it as “BS.”
In a swift rebuke on X, Elon Musk dismissed reports claiming SpaceX had confidentially filed for an initial public offering targeting a valuation above $2 trillion, labeling the information as unreliable.
The exchange highlights ongoing media speculation about the rocket company’s future and Musk’s frustration with what he views as inaccurate financial reporting. The report came from Bloomberg.
Don’t believe everything you read.
Bloomberg publishes bs.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 3, 2026
The controversy erupted on April 2, 2026, when influencer Mario Nawfal amplified claims from Bloomberg.
The outlet posted that SpaceX had boosted its IPO target valuation above $2 trillion, describing it as potentially one of the largest public offerings in history. Musk challenged the story.
It echoes past instances where Musk has corrected valuation rumors about his companies, emphasizing that speculation often outpaces reality.
Background context adds nuance.
Earlier reports indicated SpaceX had filed confidential IPO paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, potentially positioning it for a record-breaking debut that could eclipse Saudi Aramco’s 2019 listing.
Initial estimates pegged a possible valuation north of $1.75 trillion, building on a post-merger figure around $1.25 trillion after SpaceX absorbed xAI. A subsequent Bloomberg update claimed advisers were floating figures above $2 trillion to investors, with the offering potentially raising up to $75 billion.
SpaceX remains a private powerhouse. Its achievements include thousands of Starlink satellites providing global broadband, routine Falcon 9 rocket reusability, and a mission to slash launch costs, along with ambitions for Starship to enable Mars colonization.
The company also benefits from government contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense. A public listing could democratize access for retail investors while subjecting SpaceX to greater scrutiny and quarterly reporting pressures.
Critics of the reports point to the confidential nature of filings, which limits verifiable details. Musk has previously downplayed inflated valuations, once calling an $800 billion figure for SpaceX “too high.”
Supporters argue that hype around mega-IPOs, especially amid the ongoing AI fervor, fuels premature narratives that distract from core technical milestones, such as full Starship reusability and Starlink constellation expansion.
The incident reflects broader tensions in tech finance. Anonymous sourcing in valuation stories can drive market chatter and betting activity, yet it risks misinformation.
Bloomberg defended its reporting through multiple articles citing “people familiar with the matter,” but Musk’s blunt dismissal resonated widely on X, with users piling on to question media reliability.
Whether SpaceX ultimately goes public remains uncertain. Musk has teased an IPO tied to Starlink maturity, but priorities center on engineering breakthroughs over Wall Street timelines. For now, the $2 trillion figure joins a list of rumored milestones that Musk insists should be taken with skepticism.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk reveals date of SpaceX Starship v3’s maiden voyage
The announcement arrives after Flight 11 on October 13 of last year, which concluded a busy 2025 testing campaign. Since then, SpaceX has focused on ground testing, including cryoproofing of Ship 39 and preparations for Booster 19, the first V3 Super Heavy.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has revealed the timeline for the next Starship launch. It will be the first launch using SpaceX’s revamped design for Starship, as its v3 rocket will take its maiden voyage sooner than many might expect.
Musk announced on April 3 on X that the next Starship flight test, and the first flight of the upgraded v3 ship and booster, is 4 to 6 weeks away. The update signals the end of a nearly six-month hiatus since the program’s last launch.
Elon says the first V3 Starship launch will occur in 4-6 weeks
It will be the first Starship launch since Flight 11 on October 13, 2025 https://t.co/QnnYPTdbUu
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) April 3, 2026
The upcoming mission, designated as Starship’s 12 integrated flight test (IFT-12), marks a significant milestone. It will be the debut of the v3 configuration, featuring a taller Super Heavy Booster and Starship upper stage. The changes SpaceX has made with the v3 rocket and booster are an increased propellant capacity and the more powerful Raptor 3 engines.
Earlier predictions from Musk in March had pointed to an April timeframe, but the latest timeline now targets a launch window in early to mid-May 2026.
The V3 iteration represents a substantial evolution from previous Starship prototypes. Engineers have optimized the design for improved manufacturability, higher thrust, and greater efficiency. Raptor 3 engines deliver significantly more power while reducing weight and production costs compared to earlier variants.
With these enhancements, SpaceX aims to boost payload capacity toward 200 metric tons to low Earth orbit in a fully reusable configuration — a dramatic leap from the roughly 35-ton target of prior versions. Such capabilities are critical for ambitious goals, including NASA’s Artemis lunar missions and eventual crewed flights to Mars.
The announcement arrives after Flight 11 on October 13 of last year, which concluded a busy 2025 testing campaign. Since then, SpaceX has focused on ground testing, including cryoproofing of Ship 39 and preparations for Booster 19, the first V3 Super Heavy.
Recent activities have involved static fires, activation of the new Pad 2 at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, and integration of Raptor 3 engines.
A prior incident with an early V3 booster on the test stand in late 2025 contributed to the delay, necessitating additional assembly and qualification work.
Musk’s timeline updates have become a hallmark of the Starship program, often described with characteristic optimism.
SpaceX’s Starship V3 is almost ready and it will change space travel forever
While past targets have occasionally shifted by weeks, the rapid iteration pace remains impressive. However, don’t be surprised if this timeline shifts again, as Musk has been overly optimistic in the past with not only launches, but products under his other companies, too.
SpaceX continues to refine launch infrastructure, including new propellant loading systems and tower mechanisms designed to support higher cadence operations. A successful V3 flight could pave the way for more frequent tests, tower catches of both booster and ship, and progression toward operational reusability.
The v3 debut is viewed as a transition point for Starship, moving beyond experimental flights toward a system capable of supporting large-scale deployment of Starlink satellites, lunar landers, and interplanetary transport.
Success on IFT-12 would demonstrate not only the new hardware’s performance but also SpaceX’s ability to recover from setbacks and maintain momentum.
As the 4-to-6-week countdown begins, anticipation builds at Starbase. Teams are finalizing vehicle stacking, conducting final pre-flight checks, and preparing for regulatory approvals. The world will be watching to see if Starship V3 can deliver on its promise of transforming humanity’s access to space.
Elon Musk
SpaceX to launch military missile tracking satellites through new Space Force contract
SpaceX wins a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile tracking satellites starting in 2027.
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $178.5 million task order on April 1, 2026 to launch missile tracking satellites for the Space Development Agency. The contract, designated SDA-4, covers two Falcon 9 launches beginning in Q3 2027, one from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and one from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellites, built by Sierra Space, are designed to bolster the nation’s ability to detect and track missile threats from orbit.
The award falls under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which Space Force uses to move payloads to orbit on faster timelines and at more competitive prices. “Our Lane 1 contract affords us the flexibility to deliver satellites for our customers, like SDA, more easily and faster than ever before to all the orbits our satellites need to reach,” said Col. Matt Flahive, SSC’s system program director for Launch Acquisition, in the official press release.
SpaceX is quietly becoming the U.S. Military’s only reliable rocket
The SDA-4 contract is the latest in a long string of national security wins for SpaceX. As Teslarati reported last month, the Space Force recently shifted a GPS III satellite launch from ULA’s Vulcan rocket to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 after a significant Vulcan booster anomaly grounded ULA’s military missions indefinitely. That move made it four consecutive GPS III satellites transferred to SpaceX after contracts were originally awarded to its competitor.
This didn’t come without a fight and dates back years. SpaceX originally had to sue the Air Force in 2014 for the right to compete for national security launches, at a time when United Launch Alliance held a near monopoly on the market. Since then, the company has steadily displaced ULA as the dominant provider, and last year the Space Force confirmed SpaceX would handle approximately 60 percent of all Phase 3 launches through 2032, worth close to $6 billion.
With missile defense satellites now part of its launch manifest alongside GPS, communications, and reconnaissance payloads, SpaceX is giving hungry investors something to chew on before its imminent IPO.
Elon Musk calls out $2 trillion SpaceX IPO valuation as ‘BS’
Elon Musk reveals date of SpaceX Starship v3’s maiden voyage
