Families of seven victims who died in Tesla crashes are calling on the US Department of Transportation to maintain a rule requiring companies to report crashes involving fully or partially autonomous vehicles. Their concern stems from the potential influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the Trump administration, which could lead to weakened oversight of autonomous vehicle technology.

The families, who lost loved ones in accidents involving Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, are "deeply concerned" that the federal government might scrap the rule, which was implemented during the Biden administration. They argue that the rule has led to important regulatory decisions, such as the December 2023 recall of over 2 million Tesla vehicles equipped with Autopilot. The recall was prompted by issues around driver inattention and Tesla's warning systems, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said contributed to hundreds of crashes and dozens of deaths.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the families appeal to his personal experience with vehicular violence, referencing the head-on collision that almost killed his wife, Rachel. They urge Duffy to ensure that "active investigations into Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving continue free from improper influence." The families are worried that Musk's influence, given his status as a major donor and special advisor to Trump, could compromise the integrity of these investigations.

Tesla has reported over 1,800 crashes to the federal government since the rule was implemented, accounting for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes reported to NHTSA through October 2024. The data reporting rule has been instrumental in holding companies accountable for the safety of their autonomous vehicle technology. The families fear that scrapping the rule would greatly benefit Tesla, which has been at the center of controversy surrounding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Duffy was questioned by Senate Democrats about his commitment to allowing safety investigations into Tesla's advanced driving technology to proceed without interference. Duffy assured them that he would "commit… that I will let NHTSA do their investigation." However, the families remain concerned about the potential influence of Musk and the Trump administration on the Department of Transportation's oversight of autonomous vehicles.

The implications of this story extend beyond Tesla and the Department of Transportation. The development of autonomous vehicle technology has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry, but it also raises critical questions about safety, accountability, and regulatory oversight. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers and regulators prioritize transparency, safety, and the protection of human life.

In conclusion, the families of Tesla crash victims are urging the Department of Transportation to maintain the crash reporting rule, ensuring that autonomous vehicle technology is developed and deployed with the necessary safeguards in place. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for the future of transportation and the safety of road users.