Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 23
NHTSA Starts Rulemaking for New Vehicle Door Egress Systems After Tesla-Linked Deaths
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 23

NHTSA Starts Rulemaking for New Vehicle Door Egress Systems After Tesla-Linked Deaths

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 23

Summary

  • NHTSA said Thursday it will begin drafting a federal rule requiring a “robust and obvious” door egress system so drivers and passengers can get out safely.
  • The move follows deadly incidents in which occupants were trapped inside vehicles, exposing risks tied to door and handle designs, including cases involving Tesla.
  • All new vehicles sold in the US would have to meet any new requirements if the rule is finalized, extending the standards across the industry.
  • The agency’s decision grants a petitioner’s request and opens a formal rulemaking process that could tighten nationwide auto-safety standards beyond crash protection.

Insights

With China already mandating new door safety rules, is the US falling behind in protecting drivers?
As car door handles vanish for aesthetics, are automakers creating inescapable high-tech traps for passengers?