February 04, 2026

Duckworth Pushes Tesla and Waymo to Ensure Autonomous Vehicles Are Safe and Accessible for All Americans

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As our nation’s road fatalities remain unacceptably high, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today pressed Tesla and Waymo to not only prioritize the safety of all Americans but also to proactively ensure universal accessibility for people with disabilities in their autonomous vehicle (AV) design and deployment. Currently, Tesla offers no wheelchair accessible model and none of its electric vehicles (EVs) have a common conversion platform that would simplify accessibility upgrades. While Waymo does have wheelchair-accessible models in its fleet, none have an automated wheelchair securement system—meaning wheelchair users cannot independently use Waymo. During today’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (CST) hearing, Duckworth pushed leaders from Tesla to make it easier for its EV models to become wheelchair accessible, and asked Waymo to do more to bring a universal automated wheelchair model to market as soon as possible. Video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.

“There’s been too much lip service paid to accessibility by so-called autonomous driving technology companies,” said Duckworth. “But let’s be real: The auto industry has never been a proactive leader in embracing universal design principles as a default—not a luxury. When it comes to the future of self-driving technology, Tesla and Waymo must do more to ensure Americans with disabilities are not left behind.”

Duckworth has long advocated that Americans with disabilities should receive the dignity and respect they deserve while traveling. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation and one of the authors of the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Law, Duckworth successfully secured several provisions that will enhance protections for travelers with disabilities in our aviation system and make it easier for them to fly.

Duckworth also authored the ASAP Act provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $1.75 billion over a five-year period to help build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to help ensure our nation’s transit systems are actually, finally usable for those with disabilities.

Additionally, as a result of legislation that was written by Duckworth, the Department of Transportation implemented a rule requiring air carriers to disclose for the first time how many checked bags, wheelchairs and motorized scooters they damage or mishandle each month.

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