Federal Regulators May Alter Rules for Electronic Door Handles After Tesla Fatalities

Key Takeaways

• NHTSA is considering new safety standards for door egress systems after fatal incidents involving Tesla’s electronic door handles.
• At least 15 people have been killed due to being trapped inside a Tesla following a crash.
• NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has opened two separate investigations into Tesla Model 3 and Model Y units.
• New safety rules may be implemented to mandate a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles.
• Developing and finalizing new regulations can take years and may be stymied by industry pushback.

What Prompted the NHTSA to Consider New Safety Standards?

The NHTSA’s decision to consider new safety standards for door egress systems was prompted by a petition filed by a Silicon Valley engineer, who requested increased oversight to address a critical safety gap with electronic door latching and release systems.

The petition was filed after a series of fatal incidents involving Tesla’s electronic door handles, which have been linked to at least 15 deaths.

According to Bloomberg, the engineer’s petition aimed to address the risk of occupant entrapment in vehicles during electrical power failures.

What Are the Proposed Safety Standards?

The proposed safety standards would mandate a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles, ensuring that drivers and passengers can safely exit their cars even in extreme or dangerous situations.

The new rules would apply to all new passenger cars and trucks in the U.S. if finalized.

What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has opened two separate investigations into Tesla Model 3 and Model Y units over claims that the emergency mechanical door release is not accessible and fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The agency has also denied a separate petition aimed at launching a defect investigation over a similar issue, citing a lack of evidence of a likely safety-related defect warranting an investigation.

What Are the Implications of the Proposed Safety Standards?

If implemented, the new safety standards could have significant implications for the automotive industry, particularly for manufacturers that use electronic door handles.

Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, told Bloomberg that he doesn’t expect any potential rules to go into effect before 2030.

How Long Will It Take to Develop and Finalize the New Regulations?

Developing and finalizing new automotive safety regulations can take years and can be stymied by industry pushback.

The process of creating new regulations involves gathering input, soliciting public comments, and determining if a rulemaking for a new safety standard is appropriate under the requirements of the Vehicle Safety Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What prompted the NHTSA to consider new safety standards for door egress systems?

A: The NHTSA’s decision to consider new safety standards was prompted by a petition filed by a Silicon Valley engineer, who requested increased oversight to address a critical safety gap with electronic door latching and release systems.

Q: How many people have been killed due to being trapped inside a Tesla following a crash?

A: At least 15 people have been killed due to being trapped inside a Tesla following a crash.

Q: What is the current status of the investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles?

A: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has opened two separate investigations into Tesla Model 3 and Model Y units over claims that the emergency mechanical door release is not accessible and fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.