Tesla’s car door defect could lead to tougher rules for everyone
Tesla’s electronic door handles that have been linked to several deaths could lead to tougher safety rules for the entire auto industry.
In a notice published today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that complaints about Tesla’s mechanical door release don’t warrant a defect investigation. Instead, the issue is better addressed through a broader rulemaking that would “mandate a robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles,” the safety regulator said. If finalized, all new vehicles would be subject to the new requirements.
Tesla’s door handles, which operate electronically and sit flush against the vehicle for improved aerodynamics, have been linked to several incidents in which people have been trapped inside their vehicles. In several incidents, Tesla passengers who survived the initial crash later sustained serious injuries or died after being trapped inside a burning vehicle.
China’s government banned electronic door handles for safety reasons...
Copyright of this story solely belongs to theverge.com. To see the full text click HERE
