One might assume this Tesla Model 3 crash might have something to do with Autopilot, the semi-autonomous driving system drivers sometimes wrongly believe is capable of full self-driving. However, this isn't one of those cases. What happened here isn't because of the car's fully electric drivetrain or any other advanced system, but rather something stupid and embarrassing.

According to NBC affiliate WMBF News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a Model 3 crashed into a building of a local shopping center late last week and, fortunately, no one was injured, including the driver. The local police department told the news outlet the driver claimed he mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while attempting to park, resulting in the car heading straight into the building's brick wall.

Rescue services were able to extract the driver without any issues. As for the car and wall, the entire front end smashed through completely, leaving a large hole that's since been covered up with plywood. The driver's insurance company has obviously been notified of everything and he can expect higher premiums starting right now.

Ironically, this incident also proves just how safe the Model 3 is because it ensured the safety of its occupant as it smashed through a building at a relatively high rate of speed. Not surprisingly, the Model 3 did receive a 5-star rating in the rollover, side crash, and frontal crash test results from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Its metal frame is composed of a mix of high-strength aluminum and steel. So the lesson here is very simple: it does not matter whether or not one is driving an ICE vehicle, PHEV, or all-electric vehicle; the accelerator is the accelerator and the brake is the brake.

It's very important, to say the least, to know which one is which.