Families seek continued Tesla autonomous systems oversight
Seven families of people killed or seriously injured in Tesla crashes involving autonomous driving technologies urged the U.S. Transportation Department to maintain oversight and investigation of the company, expressing concern that the Trump administration may weaken safety regulations. The families worry that Elon Musk's influence could lead to repeal of a reporting requirement for crashes involving advanced driver assistance systems.
What happened
Seven families of Tesla crash victims wrote to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday expressing concern that the Trump administration will repeal the Standing General Order, a Biden-era rule requiring vehicle manufacturers to report crashes involving advanced driver assistance technologies or automated driving systems.
The families fear that Elon Musk's influence over the Trump administration may weaken government oversight of Tesla's autonomous vehicle systems. NHTSA employees working in a specialized unit overseeing autonomous vehicle safety were terminated in recent staff cuts.
Reported impact
Naibel Benavides was killed in 2019 when a Tesla vehicle in autopilot mode struck her and her boyfriend while stargazing in Key Largo, Florida. In another incident, a Tesla crashed in poor visibility while using Full Self Driving technology and struck and killed a pedestrian.
The families stated: 'The deaths of our loved ones were preventable' and urged the Secretary to 'prevent more families from having to face the same heartbreak.'
Index analysis
NHTSA under the Biden administration forced recalls and initiated investigations into Tesla's Full Self Driving system, including an inquiry stemming from four incidents where Teslas crashed in poor visibility while using the technology.
In April 2024, NHTSA opened an investigation into whether Tesla's recall of two million vehicles to install new safety measures was adequate.
Governance controls
NHTSA has the power to investigate automakers, initiate recalls, and enforce safety regulations. The Standing General Order requires manufacturers to report crashes involving advanced driver assistance or automated driving systems.
Several NHTSA employees who worked in the unit investigating and recalling defective vehicles were terminated but the agency is in the process of bringing them back.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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