Tesla update lets drivers text while driving despite state laws
What's the story
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed that the latest version of his company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance software allows users to text and drive, depending on the context of surrounding traffic. This comes despite the fact that such behavior is illegal in most US states. The claim was made in an X post on Thursday, where Musk responded to a user who had observed this feature in the newest update of FSD.
Feature explanation
Musk's clarification on FSD's capabilities
Musk clarified that the new FSD update allows texting while driving "depending on context of surrounding traffic." However, he didn't provide any specific details about how this feature works. The lack of a Tesla PR team for further clarification has left many questions unanswered about the safety and legality of such a feature in their vehicles.
Legal implications
Texting while driving is illegal in most states
It is worth noting that nearly all US states have banned texting while driving. About half of these states have also made any handheld phone usage while driving illegal, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Despite these laws, Musk's claim about the new FSD update raises questions about the legality of the feature.
Autonomy limits
FSD remains a driver-assistance system
Despite Musk's constant promotion, it's important to note that FSD is still a driver-assistance system and not a fully autonomous one. Initially, drivers had to keep their hands on the wheel even with FSD activated. However, this requirement was later removed as long as an in-cabin camera detected that they were paying attention to the road.
Safety features
FSD monitors driver attentiveness
The FSD system uses a combination of in-cabin camera and steering wheel sensors to monitor the driver's attentiveness. However, since it is just driver-assistance software and not full autonomy, drivers need to be ready to take control of the vehicle if the system encounters a situation it cannot handle. This handover of control is often involved in crashes that involve the use of driver-assistance systems.
Ongoing investigations
NHTSA is investigating FSD software
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating the FSD software after it found over 50 cases of it running red lights or crossing into the wrong lanes. The agency is also looking into reported crashes in low-visibility conditions involving the same system. These ongoing investigations highlight potential safety concerns with Tesla's driver-assistance technology.