Trump set to scrap car-crash regulation Musk hates

Donald Trump's transition team is reportedly considering the elimination of a car-crash reporting requirement that has faced opposition from Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X. This regulation mandates automakers to report accidents involving advanced driver-assistance or self-driving technologies within 30 seconds of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that the data collected from this requirement is vital for improving road safety, especially as self-driving vehicles become more common. Tesla has been involved in numerous crashes, leading to significant investigations by the NHTSA. The proposed removal of this regulation could hinder the government's ability to investigate crashes effectively and may benefit Tesla directly, as the company has reported over 1,500 crashes under the current program. Musk's substantial financial contributions to Trump's campaign and his close association with the president-elect have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The document reviewed by Reuters also suggests a broader liberalization of self-driving car regulations. While Musk has expressed a desire for a unified federal approval process for autonomous vehicles, he and others in the automotive industry have opposed the current crash reporting requirements, arguing they are burdensome.

- Trump's team may eliminate a crucial car-crash reporting requirement.

- The NHTSA emphasizes the importance of data from this regulation for safety improvements.

- Tesla has reported over 1,500 crashes, leading to multiple investigations.

- Musk's financial support for Trump raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

- The proposed changes could benefit Tesla and other automakers opposing the regulation.