The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is considering new safety rules for car doors after reports of people being trapped in burning Teslas. A citizen’s request to investigate 2022 Tesla Model 3s was denied, as the issue is seen as better addressed through rulemaking. Current rules don’t specify where emergency releases should be located or labeled. NHTSA is now exploring a rule for a clear and robust door egress system in all cars. This process began with a petition for manual releases that work even if the car’s electrical system fails. Although NHTSA has started gathering input, a new standard is not yet decided, and any changes might not take effect until after 2030.
QUESTION: How might the introduction of new car-door safety rules impact the design and functionality of future vehicles?
NHTSA considers new car door safety rules after fatal Tesla crashes
