This TeslaCam video captures the moment when a road-raging motorcyclist decides to strike the mirror of a Tesla Model 3. The mirror seems to survive the strike, but the motorcycle rider drives away, thus fleeing the scene.
This isn't the first time we've seen a motorcyclist purposely strike the mirror of a Tesla and it won't be the last. In this instance, it all happens so fast (and the video quality is quite poor) that we can't make out the license plate on the offending motorcycle.
More Motorcyclists Busting Mirrors
Typically, when we see a video like this one, the first question is what did the Tesla driver do to deserve this? Well, in this case, we don't see the Model 3 driver doing anything wrong. The Tesla is in the HOV lane and is passing traffic. The only issue may be that Autopilot is hugging the right side of the lane and this, in turn, leads the motorcyclist to believe that the Tesla is blocking him from the legal act of lane splitting.
This theory was brought up and discussed in a previous similar incident. Here's the question/answer detailing this in comments on that previous YouTube video:
Question: The only thing I can think of is that you were too close to the lane on the right. If you were using autopilot, it usually does that. When I split lanes, mostly Tesla cars would be close to the dividing lane and it makes it tough to pass you. Or, as someone else already said, you had prior encounter with that fella. Did you catch his license plate?
Answer: I tested that Theory of Autopilot, and I think you are right, and No the Cam was not able to get the license plate, it was not clear, it happened so fast before I could realize what had happened he was far off, but thanks now I know what happened.
This is just a heads-up reminder to note that Autopilot may be making you look like a line-hugging driver, so beware.
This new video was recorded in Los Angeles where lane-splitting is legal. The video description simply states:
My Tesla Model 3 being purposely hit by guy on a motorcycle. Happened in Los Angeles on the 105 eastbound around 7 am on 7/31/20. Unprovoked.
Source: Efrain F (YouTube)