NEW YORK — A recent move by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team has led to job reductions at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the organization responsible for regulating vehicle safety and conducting investigations related to fatal accidents involving Tesla vehicles.
According to a statement from the NHTSA, the agency has implemented a “modest” reduction in its workforce. Musk has previously criticized the NHTSA, claiming that their investigations and recalls are hindering the advancement of self-driving technology.
When inquired whether these job cuts would influence ongoing investigations into Tesla, the NHTSA responded with a statement affirming its commitment to uphold regulations concerning all vehicle manufacturers.
The job reductions at the NHTSA, initiated under a governmental efficiency advisory group led by Musk, have been previously discussed in media reports.
Besides examining Tesla’s semi-autonomous cars, the NHTSA has mandated that Tesla and other manufacturers employing self-driving technology must report crash data related to their vehicles. This requirement has been met with criticism from Tesla and raised concerns among observers about the potential for it to be rescinded.
The workforce cuts have occurred through various means, including layoffs, buyouts, and firings. In their official communication, the NHTSA mentioned that although the current staffing is lower, it is still adequate to fulfill its responsibilities, especially as the Biden administration had previously increased the agency’s workforce.
The NHTSA’s statement emphasized that “even with these modest efficiencies, NHTSA is still considerably larger today than it was four years ago.” The agency underscored that it has prioritized retaining positions that are essential for its mission of saving lives, preventing injuries, and minimizing economic losses resulting from traffic accidents.
