Congress Takes Action on Tesla Safety

Last week, a bipartisan group of Representatives sent a direct message to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot software needs more oversight. Their main concern? The rising number of crashes involving Teslas on Autopilot – especially those involving motorcycles, bicycles, and emergency vehicles.

As riders ourselves, we’re particularly troubled by what the congressional letter calls “an alarming pattern” of crashes involving motorcyclists. These aren’t just statistics – these are our fellow riders whose lives are at risk.  Here’s the letter:

2024FINAL-Letter_to_NHTSA_on_Tesla

Proposed Changes

The congressional group is pushing for two major changes that could significantly improve rider safety. First, they want to enhance crash reporting systems by giving motorcyclists the ability to report incidents directly to NHTSA. This change would give riders a stronger voice in the regulatory process and help create a more complete picture of how automated vehicles interact with motorcycles on the road.

Second, they’re calling for strict limits on where and when Tesla’s Autopilot can be used. This could mean preventing Autopilot activation in areas with high motorcycle traffic or during conditions where motorcycles might be harder to detect.  We’ve yet to see specifics on this, so don’t get your hopes up yet.

What These Changes Could Mean for Riders

If implemented, these changes could reshape how autonomous vehicles and motorcycles share the road. The improved reporting system would help identify patterns and problems before they lead to serious crashes. Riders who experience close calls or concerning interactions with autonomous vehicles would have a direct line to regulators, ensuring their experiences inform future safety improvements.

The operational limitations on Autopilot could create safer zones for motorcyclists, particularly in high-risk areas or challenging conditions. For example, the system might be required to disengage in heavy traffic, construction zones, or poor weather conditions – situations where motorcycle detection has proven problematic.

Why This Matters to New Mexico Riders

Here in New Mexico, we’re seeing more Teslas on our roads every day. While technological advancement is good, your safety comes first. Think about riding down I-25 or cruising through Santa Fe – you need to know that every vehicle around you will detect and respond to your presence. It’s common sense.

Protecting Yourself on the Road

Until these changes take effect, riders should take extra precautions around vehicles that might be using automated systems. Wearing high-visibility gear can help make you more noticeable to both human drivers and automated systems. Keep detailed records of any concerning interactions with automated vehicles, including date, time, location, and vehicle information. These details could prove valuable not only for your safety but for the broader riding community. Your data could help congress act!

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) partnered with the Dawn Project to push for these changes. Their goal isn’t to stop progress – it’s to make sure that new technology doesn’t put riders at risk. As motorcycle attorneys who ride, we fully support these efforts to protect our riding community.

After a Crash with an Automated Vehicle

Crashes involving automated vehicles present unique challenges. If you’re involved in such an incident, document everything about the crash, particularly any indication of automated systems being in use. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine initially – some injuries take time to become apparent. Preserve all evidence, including your gear and bike, as they might contain crucial information about how the automated system performed.

Free Consultation for Motorcycle Crash Victims

At New Mexico Biker Lawyer, we’re not just attorneys – we’re riders who face the same risks you do every day. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving any vehicle, including a Tesla, call us at 505-505-2453. We offer free consultations and won’t charge any fee unless we win your case.

Let our experience on both bikes and in the courtroom work for you.