The families of several families who were killed or seriously injured in the Tesla crash from Tesla's autonomous driving technology have urged the Department of Transport (DOT) not to change the company's investigation.
Seven families wrote to Transportation Bureau Sean Duffy to express concern that the Trump administration would abolish rules that require businesses to report crashes in vehicles, including automated systems such as autopilot and autonomous driving. Politico reported.
“We're deeply concerned about that [the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s] Surveillance of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems can be weakened,” the family wrote.
They expressed concern that the measure was at risk as masks grows in the administration and he shows particular interest in overseeing the company's Tesla.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was investigating Tesla in both October and early January for unmanned features of electric vehicles in connection with the crash allegations.
The government's Efficiency Department team reportedly cut employment at the NHTSA. When asked whether the cuts would affect Tesla's investigation, the agency said it would “enforce laws regarding all manufacturers of cars and equipment.”
Musk accused the NHTSA of thwarting progress on autonomous driving technology through agency investigations.
Duffy had been questioned to lead the transportation division in the Senate, but he said he promised to continue the investigation with the NHTSA.
Oka reached out to the Ministry of Transport for comment.
