A recent lawsuit filed by the mother of a 20-year-old man who died after crashing his Tesla Model Y highlights concerns over the electronic door system in electric vehicles like Tesla. The driver, Samuel Tremblett, was trapped inside the burning car after a collision on Route 138 in Massachusetts, and despite dialing 911, he was unable to open the doors as fire engulfed the vehicle.
According to the lawsuit, Tremblett suffered catastrophic thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, and his body was found in the back seat of the Model Y. The incident raises questions about the reliability and safety of Tesla's electronic door handles, which may not open in a crash, and the mechanical door release inside is not clearly marked.
This has led to growing regulatory pressure on the company, with at least 15 people killed in US crashes involving Tesla vehicles where the doors couldn't be opened. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating potential defects in some Model Y vehicles, and a proposed legislation aims to require manual door releases in new vehicles and provide first responders with reliable access when power is lost.
As experts weigh in on the matter, it's clear that Tesla must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of its customers.
As we see more incidents like this, it's essential for manufacturers to prioritize transparency and safety in their designs, particularly when it comes to emergency door releases. The fact that a simple cable can be easily overlooked or mislabeled highlights the need for clear guidelines and regulations to protect consumers.
