President Donald Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison, a current Apple employee, to be the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA is responsible for overseeing safety investigations into multiple automakers, including Tesla Inc.
Background on Jonathan Morrison
Morrison previously served as the chief counsel of NHTSA during Trump’s previous term. He was also the Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs of the California New Car Dealers Association. His nomination has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and will subsequently be sent for a full Senate vote.
Oversight of Automakers
If sworn in, Morrison will oversee the agency that probes automakers, including Tesla, over safety concerns. This includes the ongoing investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The Department of Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, has committed to allowing the NHTSA to proceed with its investigation into Tesla’s FSD software.
Recent Investigations into Tesla
The NHTSA has opened several investigations into Tesla vehicles equipped with the company’s full self-driving driver assistance technology. In January, the agency opened a probe into approximately 2.6 million Tesla vehicles following a complaint alleging that the use of its “Actually Smart Summon” feature led to a crash.
Key Features of Tesla’s FSD Technology
- Actually Smart Summon: a feature that allows a user to remotely move the vehicle towards themselves or to another nearby location through the company’s phone app.
NHTSA Investigations into Tesla Vehicles
The NHTSA has identified several crash reports in which a Tesla experienced a crash after entering an area of reduced roadway visibility with FSD engaged. These incidents have been caused by sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. Unfortunately, one of the crashes resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
Next Steps
The nomination of Jonathan Morrison is a significant development in the ongoing safety investigations into automakers. As the new administrator of the NHTSA, Morrison will play a crucial role in overseeing these investigations and ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road.
Conclusion
The nomination of Jonathan Morrison to lead the NHTSA is an important step in the Trump administration’s efforts to regulate the auto industry. With the agency’s ongoing investigations into Tesla and other automakers, Morrison’s experience and expertise will be crucial in ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road.