The Trump transition team is reportedly pushing for the abolition of the car crash reporting requirement, a move that could favor Tesla Inc. and its CEO, Elon Musk.
Background
The recommendation, if adopted, could impede the government’s ability to regulate and investigate the safety of vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. The current rule requires automakers to report crashes if advanced driver assistance or autonomous driving technologies are engaged within 30 seconds of impact.
Tesla’s Stance
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has been a vocal critic of this requirement. The electric vehicle manufacturer has reported over 1,500 crashes to federal safety regulators under this program. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, has also previously criticized the requirement.
Proposal Details
The transition team, responsible for devising a 100-day strategy for automotive policy, deemed the requirement as a mandate for “excessive” data collection. The team has proposed eliminating the rule and instead “liberalizing” autonomous vehicle regulation to enable the development of the industry.
Importance of Data Collection
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes the importance of collecting data on crashes involving advanced driver assistance or autonomous driving technologies. Since establishing the rule in 2021, the agency has received and analyzed data on over 2,700 crashes, which have influenced ten investigations into six companies and nine safety recalls involving four different companies.
Tesla’s Autonomous Vehicle Plans
Musk’s Tesla is developing a set of advanced driver assistance features called full self-driving, with the goal of enabling vehicle autonomy in the future.
Implications
The proposal to scrap the car crash reporting requirement could have significant implications for the automotive industry, particularly for those investing in autonomous vehicle technologies. While the decision may benefit Tesla and other companies, it may also raise concerns about the safety and accountability of vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems.
Next Steps
The incoming administration will need to consider the proposal and its potential consequences for the industry. As the debate around autonomous vehicle regulation continues, it remains to be seen whether the car crash reporting requirement will be scrapped or modified.