The World Of Electric Mobility Has Once Again Been Shaken By A New Update To Tesla’s Autonomous 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has its own concerns.
Driver Safety Under Scrutiny
U.S. authorities are not just curious; they are concerned. John Donaldson, the Acting Chief Counsel of the NHTSA, pointed out that the rollout of this feature in Tesla cars could encourage driver negligence. Donaldson emphasized that the “relaxation of controls” could lead to distracted driving and potential traffic accidents.
NHTSA Requirements
This isn’t just curiosity; it’s a regulatory requirement. Tesla has been called to explain every detail of this update. How long can the autopilot operate without human intervention? What alerts are provided to drivers? The automaker must also clarify the selection criteria for the vehicles that received the new update.
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Potential Penalties Ahead?
Tesla faces not only questioning but also a financial risk. Without an adequate response to the NHTSA’s inquiries, the automaker could be fined over 131 million dollars.
Investigation Ongoing
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 on the company.
Tesla’s Final Word
While Elon Musk and his team have not yet made an official statement, the company’s latest positioning emphasized that drivers should “pay attention to the road and keep their hands on the wheel“. A statement that seems to conflict with the functionalities of the new update to the system.
