Hisham El-Zeiny Warns: Advanced Technology Could Turn Modern Cars into a 'Moving Coffin'

Egyptian broadcaster Hisham El-Zeiny has warned that advanced technology in modern cars can turn from a blessing into a curse, describing it as a double-edged sword. Speaking on his radio program 'Arabity' on Radio Egypt, he said a sudden power failure could turn a vehicle into a sealed 'moving coffin' for its occupants. The warning isn't theoretical — it follows the recall of nearly 4 million vehicles from one of the world's largest automakers due to accidents caused by sudden electrical disconnection. The number is staggering.

Why Technology Becomes a Threat

Large screens, sensors, and artificial intelligence features in new cars have become integral to the driving experience. Yet these same features can become a dangerous obstacle during an accident, as a power cut can disable electronic door mechanisms, making it difficult for passengers to exit or for rescue teams to reach them. In emergencies where every second counts, this becomes a matter of life and death. The logical question: do automakers test these scenarios before launching their models?

New Cars Without an Emergency Plan

From Tesla to BMW and Mercedes, most modern brands rely on complex electronic systems to open doors and start the engine. If these systems fail due to an accident or battery malfunction, the driver finds themselves trapped inside a cabin designed to be safe — but in that moment, it becomes a cage. This contradiction between luxury and safety demands an urgent review by manufacturers, especially as reliance on electricity grows for almost every function.

Will Companies Respond to the Warnings?

The recent recall of 4 million vehicles reveals that the problem isn't isolated to a single model but spans entire production lines. The question remains: why haven't automakers introduced mechanical backup mechanisms to open doors during a power failure? Some brands like Toyota have already begun integrating backup systems in some models, but adoption is still limited. Technology must not be the reason lives are lost — it should be a tool to protect them.

What Can Be Done?

Experts believe the solution starts at the design stage, where manufacturers should be required to provide mechanical door handles that work without electricity, even in fully electric vehicles. Drivers are also advised to familiarize themselves with emergency release locations inside their cars before any accident occurs. In new cars that rely entirely on screens, this knowledge could be the difference between survival and danger. Hisham El-Zeiny's warning isn't an exaggeration — it's a clear call to review safety standards before it's too late.