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The world of electric mobility has once again been rocked by a new update to Tesla's self-driving system.
The innovation allows drivers to keep their hands off the steering wheel for a longer period of time. But it wasn't just the public that took notice. The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has its own concerns.
Driver safety at stake
American officials are not just curious; are worried. John Donaldson, NHTSA's acting chief counsel, pointed to the fact that releasing this feature in Tesla cars can encourage driver negligence. Donaldson made a point of highlighting that “relaxing controls” can lead to a diversion of attention and potential traffic accidents.
The NHTSA Requirements
It's not just curiosity; it is a regulatory requirement. Tesla was summoned to explain every detail of this update. How long can autopilot run without human interference? What alerts are provided to drivers? The automaker must also clarify the selection criteria for vehicles that received the new update.
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Spot penalties?
Tesla faces not only questions but also financial risk. Without a proper response to NHTSA's questions, the automaker could be fined more than $131 million.
Ongoing Research
This new phase of scrutiny is not an isolated event. Tesla is already under investigation due to a series of accidents involving its autopilot system. With 23 fatalities recorded since 2016 in accidents involving Tesla cars, pressure is mounting for the company.
Tesla's Final Word
While Elon Musk and his team have not yet officially commented, the company's latest statement highlighted that drivers should “pay attention to the road and keep your hands on the wheel“. A claim that seems to conflict with the features of the new system update.
