NHTSA Starts Rulemaking on Vehicle Door Emergency Escape Systems

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Bloomberg, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Thursday, July 23, that it will begin the process of drafting new federal rules to ensure drivers and passengers can safely exit a vehicle after an accident. The agency also approved a petition calling for a requirement that all cars be equipped with reliable, easy-to-use door escape systems. If adopted, the new rules would apply to all new cars sold in the United States.

The move follows a series of accidents in which occupants were trapped inside vehicles and, in some cases, died. Hidden, electronically controlled door handles used by Tesla and other automakers have been linked to several such incidents in recent years. In some cases, Tesla passengers survived high-speed crashes but later died or were seriously injured in fires because they could not escape the vehicle.

A Silicon Valley engineer filed the petition with NHTSA in November last year, seeking new federal safety standards. NHTSA said it will gather more information and seek public comment to determine whether starting a rulemaking process under the Vehicle Safety Act is appropriate. Brooks, executive director of the U.S. Auto Safety Center, said the move is an important first step in improving electric door and escape safety. The process could take years, and even if it proceeds smoothly, manufacturers may not have to comply with final rules until after 2030. Illinois Democratic Representative Kelly also introduced a bill earlier this year that would require new cars to have manual door-opening devices and ensure emergency responders can enter vehicles if power is cut.