China has become the first country to require new safety rules for car doors. The new regulation will let car doors open manually from both sides. This change will begin in 2027. It comes after safety concerns about hidden, electric door handles used by some car makers, including Tesla.
These handles are flush with the car’s body and pop out when a driver approaches. This design is modern and saves space, but it can be a problem. If there is a crash or a battery failure, the doors may not open easily. Reports have shown that some electric doors cannot be opened from the outside in emergencies. Responders may need to break windows to help trapped people.
Other automakers, like Audi and BMW, also use similar designs. The recent investigation of Tesla’s door handles brought attention to this issue. A crash last year made it clear that the design could trap drivers.
China’s new rules aim to prevent these dangers. Car doors must now allow quick access even in emergencies. Interior handles will also need to be easy to find and operate. This rule will affect all car makers selling vehicles in China.
Vocabulary List:
- Regulation /ˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
- Concerns /kənˈsɜrnz/ (noun): Worries or anxieties about a particular issue.
- Trapped /træpt/ (adjective): Caught or unable to escape from a situation.
- Access /ˈæk.sɛs/ (noun): The means or opportunity to approach or enter a place.
- Responders /rɪˈspɒn.dərz/ (noun): Individuals who react to an incident or emergency.
- Emergency /ɪˈmɜr.dʒən.si/ (noun): A serious unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
