Trump Set To Scrutinize Teslas Autonomous Crash Record

A Biden-era rule requiring automakers and tech companies to report crashes involving fully or partially autonomous vehicles is likely to be scrapped, according to sources close to the Trump administration. The move would deal a significant blow to transparency in the deployment of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) on roads worldwide.

In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a standing general order (SGO) requiring companies to document and report crashes that occurred when an automated driving system was in use. The rule aimed to shed light on the safety performance of Level 2 driver-assist systems, such as Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

Tesla has been at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle debate, with its vehicles equipped with ADAS systems being involved in a significant number of crashes. Since the SGO was implemented, Tesla has reported over 1,500 crashes to the federal government, significantly more than other companies in the industry. An analysis of the data revealed that Tesla accounted for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes reported to NHTSA through October.

The high number of incidents led to investigations by NHTSA into Tesla’s driver-assist technology, which sparked controversy and raised questions about the safety of ADAS systems. According to sources, Tesla “despises” the SGO and sees it as a necessary evil that would only be abolished under a change in administration.

The Trump administration’s decision to overturn the crash reporting rule is seen as a victory for Tesla and other companies that sell vehicles with Level 2 systems. The move would significantly reduce transparency around ADAS safety, potentially hindering efforts to improve road safety.

However, experts warn that relaxing regulations could have serious consequences. “The data suggests that ADAS systems are not yet ready for widespread deployment,” said Dr. Harald Krüger, a leading expert on autonomous vehicles at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). “We need more scrutiny and oversight to ensure that these systems are designed and implemented safely.”

As Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial that regulators strike a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring public safety. The Trump administration’s decision to overturn the crash reporting rule may be seen as a short-term gain for Tesla, but it could ultimately have long-term consequences for road safety.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, now appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has been vocal about his commitment to reducing government spending. While this may be a positive step for taxpayers, it raises concerns about the administration’s priorities and potential conflicts of interest in regulating ADAS systems.

The move would deal a significant blow to transparency in the deployment of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) on roads worldwide. The high number of incidents led to investigations by NHTSA into Tesla’s driver-assist technology, which sparked controversy and raised questions about the safety of ADAS systems.

Regulatory oversight is crucial in ensuring that autonomous vehicles are designed and implemented safely. Experts warn that relaxing regulations could have serious consequences, including increased risk of accidents and fatalities on the road. The data suggests that ADAS systems are not yet ready for widespread deployment, highlighting the need for more scrutiny and oversight.

The Trump administration’s decision to overturn the crash reporting rule may be seen as a short-term gain for Tesla, but it could ultimately have long-term consequences for road safety. As policymakers consider regulations for autonomous vehicles, they must prioritize transparency, accountability, and public safety above all else.