The United States has opened an investigation into 580 thousand Tesla vehicles, which would be dangerous due to the possibility of using the video games in the car. The functionality Passenger Play, which allows the passenger to play while the vehicle is in motion, would be dangerous because it would distract the driver. Several cars produced from 2017 to today end up under investigation.
Tesla under investigation for in-car video games with Passenger Play
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to understand the dangers of video games in the car. Passenger Play allows non-drivers to play. But according to the agency, “it could distract the driver and increase the risk of accidents “. The risk of distraction makes this feature dangerous, both for Tesla drivers and others on the road, according to NHTSA. Which specifies that “this function has been introduced since December 2020 in vehicles equipped with Passenger Play. Before that, it was only enabled when the vehicle era in Park“.
The problem, according to NHTSA, is that “the gameplay is visible from the driver’s seat and can be enabled while driving.” Something potentially dangerous. But the agency wants to assess not only the theoretical but also the risk the incidence problems related to this function.
Accessing games with Passenger Play displays a warning that the game while the car is in motion is for passengers only. Additionally, Tesla requires you to confirm the fact that you are not driving before starting the game. But some analysts point out that to get around the limitation just click “Confirm”.
Tesla did not comment on the announcement.
The preliminary analysis of the agency (which has also been checking the safety of Tesla’s autopilot since August) serves to assess the danger in a holistic way. If it deems the functionality unsafe, it will then ask for a engineering consultancy. And only after another agreed outcome can he proceed to ask Tesla to withdraw the function. The automaker will then be able to appeal to the American court system.
It will still take time to make a decision, we will keep you informed.