THE BREAKDOWN The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has vowed to mandate a new set of rules about how door handles work in all motor vehicles. The issue stems from the rise of electronic door handles, which can become compromised in an accident. Update: NHTSA has reached out to Motor1 with a statement regarding the issue of door handle safety. Take, for example, the humble door handle. Perhaps automakers could utilize a door handle that functions electronically when you use a light touch on the handle material.