Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Trapped Driver Death as China Bans Hidden Door Handles
20-year-old allegedly pleaded for help to escape moments before dying in vehicle fire
Days after China banned electric car door handles that can become inoperable during emergencies, a US lawsuit has alleged a 20-year-old Tesla driver pleaded for help to escape from his burning vehicle moments before he died.
The lawsuit claims the vehicle electronic door mechanisms failed during a fire, trapping the driver inside. It represents growing legal pressure on Tesla over safety features that critics say prioritize aesthetics over emergency egress.
China new regulation mandates that vehicle doors must remain manually operable even during electronic failures. The rule specifically targets hidden and flush door handles popularized by Tesla that rely on electronic systems.
Tesla vehicles include manual door release mechanisms, but critics argue they are not intuitive during emergencies and that drivers and passengers may not know how to use them when panicked.
Analysis
Why This Matters
Vehicle egress during emergencies is literally life or death. Design choices that complicate escape from burning or submerged vehicles have real human costs.
Background
Tesla popularized hidden door handles for aerodynamic benefits and aesthetic appeal. The design has spread across the industry, prompting safety regulators worldwide to examine emergency access requirements.
Key Perspectives
Tesla maintains its vehicles meet all safety standards and include manual releases. Plaintiffs argue the manual mechanisms are inadequate and counterintuitive during emergencies.
What to Watch
Whether other countries follow China lead in regulating electronic door mechanisms, and the outcome of mounting litigation against Tesla.