Auto Safety Bill Targeting Electric Doors Advances in US House

Core Viewpoint - US lawmakers are advancing the SAFE Exit Act, which mandates manual releases for vehicles with electrically powered door handles, potentially affecting designs popularized by Tesla Inc. [1] Group 1: Legislative Progress - The SAFE Exit Act has been forwarded to the full committee by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce during a markup session, but it still faces several legislative hurdles before it can become law [2]. - The bill was introduced by Representative Robin Kelly, aiming to enhance vehicle safety following incidents where individuals were trapped in vehicles with malfunctioning electric door handles [3]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Reports indicate at least 15 fatalities in incidents where occupants or rescuers were unable to open Tesla doors during emergencies, prompting investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into potential defects in Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles [4]. - Representative Debbie Dingell emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that as vehicles increasingly rely on electronic door latches, a manual backup must be available to prevent fatalities [5]. Group 3: Comparative Legislation - Kelly highlighted that the US is lagging behind China and the European Union in door safety regulations, noting that China has banned concealed door handles [6]. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis expressed support for the bill's intent but suggested that safety experts should be allowed to conduct research to establish flexible standards, avoiding unintended consequences [6].