How Self-Driving Cars Might Change Crash Testing Forever

Self-driving cars like the Tesla Cybercab, which has no steering wheel or pedals, have prompted NHTSA to study passenger safety in reclined positions. Current standards and crash test dummies assume upright seating, so the regulator plans new research and rule updates that could take years.

• 42 US crash deaths over 10 years involved reclined seatbacks
• Tesla requires seatbacks reclined no more than 35 degrees from vertical
• Zoox got approval for 5,000 robotaxis over two years after special clearance
• Humanetics is developing THOR dummies for reclined and rear-facing seats