It seems absurd that, here in 2026, we need safety regulations for door handles, but here we are. Vehicles designed with flush, electrically operated door handles have trapped people inside cars after the vehicles lost power, and there have been injuries and deaths as a result. As a result, US auto safety regulators will begin developing new requirements to ensure drivers and passengers can safely exit their vehicles in the event of a power loss — for example, during a crash.
Â
