Musk's DOGE Removes NHTSA Specialists on Self-Driving Dangers, Can You Guess Who Gains? | Carscoops

      Current discussions are questioning the equilibrium between governmental efficiency and adequate vehicle safety oversight.

      The Department of Government Efficiency has reduced the NHTSA's workforce by 4%, generating concerns.

      A manager at Tesla contends that the NHTSA requires an increase in personnel rather than a reduction for effective safety oversight.

      Critics highlight potential conflicts of interest arising from Musk’s sway over the NHTSA's staffing decisions.

      Recent reports regarding the firings by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have sparked worries about possible conflicts of interest for the Tesla CEO. In a harsh critique of the federal workforce back in February, DOGE disclosed that numerous staff members from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Vehicle Automation Safety had been dismissed.

      The tension between Musk and the NHTSA is well-known. The safety agency is presently investigating Tesla vehicles in eight active cases and is tasked with overseeing self-driving technology. Musk has consistently asserted that Tesla aims to deploy millions of robotaxis throughout the United States, a goal that could be more attainable with fewer regulatory barriers.

      In an interview with The Financial Times, sources indicated that around 30 individuals were let go from the NHTSA in February, with those in the vehicle automation safety unit being "disproportionately affected." Although it is unclear how many were specifically terminated from that division, DOGE cited inadequate performance as the reason for their dismissal.

      Despite the controversy surrounding these layoffs, it is significant to note that the NHTSA's vehicle automation safety division was established only in 2023. Consequently, many employees were still on probation, which facilitated their termination. The total number of layoffs at NHTSA represented 4% of its workforce, a seemingly minor figure but one that raises concerns within certain sectors of the industry.

      One unnamed Tesla manager voiced worry that the layoffs might hinder the NHTSA's capacity to address the challenges posed by autonomous vehicles. “Allowing DOGE to dismiss members of the autonomous division is pure insanity—we should be advocating for an increase in NHTSA personnel,” the manager stated to the FT. “They must create a national framework for autonomous vehicles; otherwise, Tesla has no chance for scaling FSD or robotaxis.”

      A former NHTSA employee also commented, stating, “There is a clear conflict of interest in permitting someone with a business stake to influence appointments and policies at the agency that regulates them.”