The families of several people who tragically died or were severely injured in Tesla crashes involving self-driving technologies have come together to urge the Transportation Department to continue scrutinizing the electric vehicle company. They express deep concerns that oversight of Tesla may be compromised under the current administration.
Upholding Safety Measures
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, seven families highlight their worries that a crucial rule mandating companies to report crashes related to advanced driver assistance technologies could be revoked. This includes systems like Tesla’s “Autopilot” and “full self-driving.” The families stress the importance of ongoing federal investigations into Tesla, free from any external influence.
The families emphasize their concerns about the broad influence Elon Musk wields, particularly in regulatory matters. They fear a potential weakening of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s oversight of autonomous vehicle systems, especially in light of recent developments.
Regulatory Challenges and Safety Investigations
Tesla’s operations fall partly under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, empowering them to probe automakers and enforce recalls for defective vehicles. Recent events, including the termination of certain NHTSA employees and subsequent reinstatements, have raised questions about regulatory stability.
Under the Biden administration, NHTSA initiated investigations and forced recalls related to Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system. These actions stemmed from incidents where Tesla vehicles using the technology were involved in crashes, including a fatal pedestrian accident.
One signatory, Neima Benavides, lost her sister Naibel in a Tesla crash in 2019 due to an Autopilot-related incident. The letter urges Secretary Duffy to prevent such tragedies through robust regulatory enforcement.
Commitment to Safety
In response, a DOT spokesperson affirmed Secretary Duffy’s commitment to impartial investigations and upholding safety regulations. The agency remains dedicated to enforcing the law and ensuring vehicle safety for all manufacturers.
By heeding the families’ plea and maintaining stringent oversight, the DOT aims to prevent future accidents and uphold the trust of the public.
