Tesla’s door handles may spur new US safety rules

US safety regulators are starting a rule-making process after multiple incidents in which people became trapped inside cars, including fatal cases involving Tesla vehicles. The review is expected to focus on whether electronic or unconventional door handles create risks during emergencies.

The move signals growing scrutiny of automakers’ shift from mechanical controls to software-driven vehicle design. Any new rules could push the industry toward more standardized emergency egress systems, especially as EV makers prioritize sleek exterior designs.