How Self-Driving Cars Might Change Crash Testing Forever

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and European regulators have begun reviewing crash test protocols to account for different seating positions and restraint systems in autonomous vehicles, where occupants may recline or face sideways during operation. Current testing standards, developed when drivers actively controlled vehicles, do not account for scenarios where passengers are sleeping, reading, or otherwise not positioned for traditional forward-facing impact. Manufacturers including Tesla, Waymo, and traditional automakers have submitted proposals for alternative safety configurations to regulatory bodies. NHTSA confirmed it is evaluating these submissions as part of its 2026 review of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

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