For years, flush-mounted, electronically-operated door handles have been the hallmark of "futuristic" automotive design. Popularized by Tesla and adopted by brands like Rivian, these sleek handles offer aerodynamic efficiency and a minimalist aesthetic.
However, a new piece of federal legislation suggests that these design choices may be coming at a fatal cost.
The SAFE Exit Act: A Response to Crisis
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit (SAFE) Act late on January 6. The bill is a direct response to a growing number of reports involving occupants trapped inside electric vehicles (EVs) during power failures or post-crash fires.
"When crashes or power loss leave drivers and passengers trapped inside their own cars, that is not innovation—it’s a safety failure," Rep. Kelly stated. She emphasized that profits and style should never take precedence over human life, specifically calling out Tesla’s designs as "not safe."
The Problem: When Electronics Fail
Most modern Teslas and high-end EVs rely on a 12V battery system to trigger the door latches. If that battery is damaged in a crash or dies unexpectedly, the electronic buttons stop working.
While manual overrides exist, they are often:
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Hidden: Tucked away in door pockets or under plastic panels.
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Counter-intuitive: Requiring specific tools or knowledge of the owner's manual.
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Inaccessible: Difficult for children or panicked passengers to find in the dark or smoke.
The Grim Statistics: Reports indicate that at least 15 people have died in Tesla crashes where electronic releases allegedly failed. The NHTSA is currently probing 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles following similar entrapment complaints.
Beyond Tesla: The Rivian "Emergency" Test
Tesla isn't the only manufacturer in the crosshairs. Rivian owners have also voiced concerns. A recent viral post on the r/Rivian subreddit highlighted a father’s failed attempt to show his children how to use the emergency release in a 2025 R1S.
The manual process involved prying open a panel—which broke during the demonstration—and searching for a hidden cable. "My kids are definitely dead in an emergency," the user wrote, sparking a massive debate on the practicality of "hidden" safety features.
What the SAFE Exit Act Would Require
If passed, the legislation would mandate the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enforce a final rule within two years. New vehicles would be required to feature:
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Independent Manual Releases: A mechanical backup for every door that functions without power.
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Intuitive Design: Releases must be "easy-to-find" and "readily accessible" without consulting a manual.
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Clear Labeling: Standardized visual cues to guide occupants during a crisis.
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First Responder Access: A way for emergency crews to enter the vehicle from the outside when power is lost.
A Global Shift in Auto Safety
The US isn't alone in this movement. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently drafted rules that would effectively ban purely electronic door mechanisms by 2027, requiring a mechanical override for both the interior and exterior of the car.
As the industry moves toward total electrification, the "SAFE Exit Act" signals a return to common-sense engineering. For many safety advocates, the message is clear: A door handle’s most important feature isn't how it looks—it's whether it opens.
Don’t Wait for an Emergency.
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