Looks like Tesla is going to get the Trump card benefit sooner than expected as Donald Trump’s transition team is suggesting to drop crash reporting.
According to a Reuters report, the team has suggested dropping a federal rule that binds automakers like Tesla to report crashes involving automated-driving systems. This regulation, which Tesla opposes, is drawing attention because of its potential impact on how the government would monitor autonomous vehicle’s safety.
Tesla is already battling issues of numerous self-driving accidents and fatal crashes. What’s this whole story about, let’s get to it!
What’s The Crash-Reporting Rule?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented the crash-reporting rule in 2021 requiring automakers to report crashes.
The rule requires automakers to report any crash where driver-assistance software was active within 30 seconds of the time of the incident. According to a statement by NHTSA, the rule has allowed them to gather data on over 2,700 crashes, leading to 10 investigations and nine recalls involving various companies so far.
Tesla reported the majority of cases among all incidents, including 40 out of 45 fatal crashes involving automated systems. However, Tesla strongly opposed sending the crash reports and criticized the rule.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, argues that the data is unfairly used to target his company. We’ll get to it in a bit.
Why Is Elon Musk Opposing Crash-Report Rule?
Elon Musk opposes the crash-reporting rule because it makes Tesla look worse compared to other carmakers. Tesla’s cars automatically report crashes and check if driver-assistance features are active, giving the company detailed data.
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Most other manufacturers don’t have this kind of system and rely on slower methods like news reports or lawsuits to find out about crashes. This means Tesla ends up reporting more crashes, even though it doesn’t necessarily mean their cars are less safe.
It looks like most automakers do not have instrumentation on their vehicles, unlike self-driven vehicle companies like Waymo or Tesla. Musk believes the rule unfairly targets Tesla and discourages companies from improving crash detection and reporting systems.
NHTSA advises against using the data to compare safety between automakers to keep it fair. However different companies collect and report crash data in varying ways, which can skew comparisons.
Tesla executives believe the crash-reporting rule puts the company in a bad light. Tesla collects and reports real-time crash data more thoroughly than other automakers, which they say makes them appear responsible for more crashes.
Trump’s Team To Scrap The Crash Report?
A transition team working on Trump’s automotive policy has recommended repealing the crash-reporting requirement. They argue that the rule mandates “excessive” data collection, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
The team also proposed loosening regulations on autonomous vehicles to encourage better innovation. This includes creating basic federal guidelines instead of the patchwork of state laws which is currently in place.
During a Tesla earnings call in October, Musk voiced support for a streamlined federal approval process for autonomous vehicles. He criticized the current state-by-state regulations as “incredibly painful” to navigate.
Why Crash-Report Is So Critical?
Critics warn that removing the crash-reporting requirement could hurt public safety. NHTSA says the data is crucial for identifying patterns in crashes involving advanced technologies.
For example, the crash-reporting rule helped NHTSA investigate Tesla’s driver-assistance systems, leading to recalls in 2023. These included a fatal crash in Virginia where a Tesla on Autopilot collided with a tractor-trailer and another in California where a self-driven Tesla Model S hit a firetruck, killing the driver and injuring four firefighters. We covered it in detail with the latest updates here.
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The data also led to a $1.5 million fine for General Motors’ self-driving unit, Cruise, after failing to report an incident where a robotaxi dragged a pedestrian. Without it, the agency may struggle to detect safety issues and enforce recalls when necessary.
Could It Be Musk’s Idea?
Elon Musk has been a significant supporter of Donald Trump, reportedly spending over $250 million on Trump’s presidential campaign. After the election, Trump named Musk to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, designed to cut federal regulations.
While it’s unclear if Musk directly influenced the recommendation to scrap the crash-reporting rule, his company would benefit the most from its removal. Tesla has been at the center of NHTSA investigations due to the data collected under the program.
Sources close to Tesla said the company previously discussed pushing to eliminate the rule but believed it would require a change in administration.
What People Have To Say On The Crash-Report Rule?
People have a mix of frustration and concerned feelings about the current crash-reporting rule and the possibility of removing it.
Many believe manufacturers should not shy away and offer rigorous safety data to ensure their driver-assistance systems are working all fine and meeting all required safety standards. Critics argue that failing to do so is irresponsible, especially when lives are at stake.
One Reddit user cynically questioned that if you have an option between Waymo and Tesla, who would get in the Tesla? To which other said that you don’t need to sit in a Tesla to get killed by one.
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Another Reddit user suggested Tesla’s practices amount to “regulatory capture,” allowing the company to maintain a false image of safety by avoiding transparent crash data disclosure.
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FireBeyond from Hacker News aptly mentions the loopholes in Tesla not offering the crash-reports.
He says that Tesla’s crash reporting is misleading because it excludes many incidents. For example, Tesla doesn’t count crashes as accidents if the airbags didn’t deploy, even though modern safety systems use many factors—like speed, impact duration, and collision angle—to decide if airbags should activate.
A 30mph crash might not trigger airbags but could still cause serious damage, yet Tesla wouldn’t report it.
Bottomline
It’s still unclear if the Trump administration will actually act on the team’s recommendation. Neither the transition team, Trump, nor Elon Musk has commented on the matter.
Experts agree Tesla vehicles may appear in more crash reports because they have more cars with self-drive software. These systems are also used more frequently, which increases the likelihood of incidents where the technology might fail.
However, supporters of the rule argue that more oversight is needed, for better growth, as companies like Tesla are not stopping at simple self-driving software.
If the regulation is scrapped, it could possibly hinder NHTSA’s ability to monitor the safety of emerging autonomous driving technologies. But for now, the debate is on!
