 |
| Tesla lets drivers play video games while driving |
Tesla has updated its software to allow car occupants to play video games using the central touch screen while driving, creating safety concerns and distracting the driver.
In the past, video games could only be played when the car was parked in the parking lot. But according to the New York Times, the company released a groundbreaking software update last summer.
This update can play some games whether the car is parked or not, which raises serious safety concerns.
Reports have confirmed that the Model 3 can play Sky Force Reloaded, Solitaire, and The Battle of Polytopia games from the center touchscreen while the car is in motion.
A notification will appear asking players to confirm that they are not pilots before the game begins. However, this information is not convincing. The driver can simply click 'I am a passenger' and play complex action games like Sky Force while driving.
Even before the update, some interactive apps for the car might work while driving, including drawing boards and karaoke music modes, which also warn drivers not to participate.
A Model 3 owner filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when he discovered a game he could play while driving.
This complaint isn't the first, because Tesla currently has 59 complaints from car owners about the Model 3.
A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was discussing the issue of video games on moving vehicles with the company.
The spokesperson added, "Differential collisions are a particular problem with vehicles equipped with a range of comfort technologies such as entertainment screens. We understand the driver's issue and are discussing this feature with the manufacturer."
Tesla generally ignores safety regulations and regulatory suggestions for improvement. The company offers a version of its Level 2 advanced driver assistance system called fully autonomous driving. It forces drivers to be vigilant when using it.
Tesla's actions raise safety concerns
The US government has shown a renewed interest in the company. It was recently announced that it was investigating an accident that collided with a parked emergency vehicle with a self-driving car.
NHTSA is also asking Tesla for more information about the fully automated public test engine. As well as information about the safety assessment process and non-disclosure agreements, which Tesla did not allow participants until recently.
As manufacturers continue to remove touch buttons from cars, touch screens in cars have become the norm.
This makes many connections more dangerous. According to a study from 2019, a driver can be distracted every time they perform a task and look away from the road for up to 40 seconds.
Tesla is the auto industry's number one provider of software updates to add features like improved driver assistance to its electric vehicles.
The company has also released a video game series called Tesla Arcade.