Tesla Disables Gaming while Driving Feature
Tesla does not allow gaming while driving feature
24 December 2021
Tesla has agreed to modify its Passenger Play feature, which allowed games to be played on the touchscreen while the car is in motion.
It was a result of an investigation that was launched by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The agency claimed to have been informed by Tesla that a software update would disable the feature when driving.
Elon Musk's auto company was criticized for its feature was risky. aseanbiotechnology
The New York Times reported that Tesla had reached out to the NHTSA directly.
"Passenger Play will now be locked and inaccessible when the vehicle is moving," the agency told the paper.
Tesla has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the issue.
Announcing its inquiry, which opened earlier this week the NHTSA stated that the use of Passenger Play "may distract the driver and increase the chance of a crash".
While the capability to play games on the car's touchscreen wasn't aimed at drivers, and even asked the person playing to confirm they were an intruder, there was nothing to stop a driver using it.
The feature was initially only available when the car is stationary. However it was updated in December 2020 to allow gameplay while the vehicle is moving.
The change was noticed by a Tesla owner, Vince Patton, who filed a complaint with the NHTSA describing it as "recklessly negligent".
In its initial inquiry in the matter, the NHTSA noted that the feature "may distract the driver and increase the likelihood of an accident".
The guidelines stipulate that in-car devices should be removed in order that they cannot be employed by the driver for "inherently distracting secondary tasks while driving".
It was reported that distracted drivers were the cause for 3,142 road deaths in 2019.
After a dozen vehicles using the Autopilot feature crashed into emergency vehicles parked in the parking lot The agency launched an investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system.
It is also reviewing other accidents that may have occurred within the system.
US safety body investigates Tesla's gaming in-car
22 December 2021
