It’s hard to imagine that Tesla would bring a product to the reveal stage without running a crash simulation or two. Although the panels look sturdy on the outside, it’s possible for there to be internal (on the reverse side) cuts/scoring which, when impacted by other members, result in buckling.
I'm not saying that SpaceX has harmed anyone or that it is less safe than other space companies. But the whole line of business is inherently dangerous and I don't think someone who personally values safety at a high level would found this kind of company. That doesn't mean they can't decide to have safe cars designed and built – on their own or because their engineers push for it – if it makes business sense.
Musk isn't the only one working at Tesla. People are generally more successful at something if they do it because they care not just because it's their job. So whoever was responsible for the safety of Tesla's previous cars probably cared a lot about safety. I imagine they're the kind of people some people might call boring but no one would ever doubt their sanity. If they ever found a company, it's going to be called "SeatbeltX".
But Tesla is a pretty shity workplace (people work until they drop, 2% fired every year to keep everyone on their toes). It wouldn't surprise me if certain hard to measure issues are swept under the rug by overworked employees.
