Safety oversight at risk? Proposal to cut crash data rule sparks concern

The Trump transition team is recommending the removal of a federal rule requiring companies to report crashes involving automated-driving systems, a move criticized as potentially weakening safety oversight. Tesla Inc. (TSLA.O), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has been the primary reporter of such incidents, with over 1,500 cases submitted since 2021, according to federal records.

The proposed change, detailed in a transition team document seen by Reuters, could halt investigations into emerging safety issues, including Tesla’s Autopilot feature. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows Tesla vehicles accounted for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes linked to automated systems reported through October 15, 2024.

The crash-reporting rule, established in 2021, has been instrumental in 10 investigations and nine recalls involving automated vehicle technology. Two former NHTSA officials warned that eliminating the rule could blind regulators to patterns of malfunction or misuse, jeopardizing public safety.

Critics argue the recommendation caters to Tesla, which has faced scrutiny over high-profile crashes, including a 2023 fatal collision in Virginia and another in California where an Autopilot-equipped Tesla hit a firetruck, killing one and injuring four. Despite these concerns, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing most automakers except Tesla, has also criticized the rule as burdensome.

Tesla and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Musk, who contributed over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 election campaign, has denied the rule targets his company unfairly. The final decision on whether the new administration will adopt the recommendation remains unclear.

NHTSA defended the rule, stating it has collected and analyzed data from over 2,700 crashes since its inception.

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