Tesla has always tried to challenge the norms of the auto industry in many ways. It started out as a fully electric automaker when no auto company was ready for it. The electric carmaker has its own way of doing things and the latest example of it is their approach regarding safety and in-car entertainment. Particularly, both Mercedes and Tesla allow occupants to play video games on vehicle’s touchscreen in driving mode. While Mercedes believe they have done wrong with this and has recalled the vehicles using this feature to counter the issue, Tesla didn’t do the same. According to a video from Associated Press, the game playing feature was active while driving a Tesla.
Eliminating distracted driving features in the vehicles is the prime goal of U.S. safety regulators for many years. As the vehicles are now more connected with multiple displays that are growing in size, the need for regulations is paramount. For instance, the new Grand Cherokee comes with two rear-seat displays in addition to a screen fixed in the dashboard for the front passenger to watch media, use navigation as well as stream Amazon Fire TV content. The best part about this screen is that the driver can’t see the display from his/her position.
Speaking of Mercedes, the company has recalled four of its vehicles including the 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS 580, and the S500. The automaker found out that some of these models have incorrect configuration, possibly for the MBUX infotainment system. It permits the “vehicle occupants to activate those functions [including TV and digital owner’s manual, as well as the games] while the vehicle is driving.”
Although this issue is identified on just 227 Mercedes models, the automaker called them back because “if an occupant were to actively select the function or application while the vehicle is driving, then driver distraction might result which could increase the risk of a crash.” It was reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) while discussing the matter.
The good news is the problem didn’t cause any accident since it was identified in mid-November and the German automaker has been able to fix the issue on its server, The Hill reported.
Regarding Tesla, it has been many years since the company has permitted gaming on its vehicles. That’s not a bad thing at all with the car in parking state. However, a summer update from the company permitted game-playing of three video games while driving. The problem is the company’s Autopilot system can’t figure out if the driver or the passenger is playing the video game.
After media reports regarding this issue, NHTSA publicized a report saying, “We are aware of driver concerns and are discussing the feature with the manufacturer. The Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles with design defects posing unreasonable risks to safety.”
While Tesla didn’t respond to this earlier, now they have issued a statement telling that an over-the-air update will resolve this. It will lock the “Passenger Play” feature while driving. This idea seems better than the laborious process of recalling the vehicles.
Source and Images: CarandDriver