JAKARTA - The trend of using electric door locks on modern cars is now a global spotlight. If previously this feature was present for a more futuristic look and aerodynamic efficiency, now it has become controversial.
The issue of safety is the spotlight of the electric door lock, especially when the vehicle is in an accident or loses power. Reported by Carscoops, Monday, January 12, it is now expanding into the political realm in the United States (US).
A member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois, Robin Kelly, has introduced a bill (RUU) that could potentially make car manufacturers have to reevaluate the electric door locking system on their vehicles. The bill is called the SAFE Exit Act.
The core of the bill instructs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish performance standards and new labeling rules for vehicles that use electronic door locks.
In simple terms, this rule will require every car door to have a manual door opening lever that is easy to find and can function without relying on electricity. In addition, manufacturers are also required to provide clear labels and provide methods that allow first responders to access the cabin when the vehicle's electricity is off.
This approach is considered more firm than the current safety standards. Because, although many modern cars are equipped with manual opening levers, not all of them have easy access or clear location instructions.
In an emergency, this kind of detail can determine the safety of passengers. One example highlighted is the Rivian R1S car, where the rear passengers need to remove the door panel first to access the opening lever.
A number of reports say the panel is at risk of breaking when it is removed, and it only happens to reach the door opening mechanism. The situation can be much more dangerous when there is an accident, the cabin is in a state of panic, and even potentially filled with smoke.
Several cases also mention passengers having difficulty getting out of vehicles such as Teslas and Corvettes when the electricity goes out, even though the manual lever is actually within reach. In his open letter regarding this bill, Kelly repeatedly mentioned the name Tesla.
He referred to a report that said about 15 people died inside a Tesla car, allegedly because residents and rescuers had difficulty opening the door when the vehicle's power supply was off. However, the spotlight on Tesla was not entirely on target.
Because the electronic door lock is not only used by Tesla. A number of other manufacturers such as Rivian, GM, Stellantis, Ford, Range Rover, Kia, Hyundai, BMW, and others also adopt a similar system.
The question is, the design of the manual opening access on each brand is not always understood. Some hide it behind the trim panel, some put it in an unusual location, even some have minimal labels or instructions that are easy to understand.
If safety is really the goal, then what needs to be fixed is the technology, not just attacking certain brands. The good news is, the SAFE Exit Act is written with broad coverage.
This law defines "electronic door locks" as a system that relies on electricity to lock or open doors, and requires a mechanical backup that still works without power.
If passed, automakers will be given two years to comply with the rules after NHTSA released the latest regulations based on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206. The time frame is considered realistic enough, in line with the policy direction that is also being considered by a number of officials in China.
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