Tesla's "Passenger Play" feature, which allowed video games to be played on the front center touchscreen of its vehicles, has been under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) since December 2021. 

However, the NHTSA recently announced that it is closing the investigation into more than 500,000 Tesla vehicles. It was also in 2021 that the automaker agreed to disable the feature while the cars were in motion.

NHTSA Eases Possible Driver Distraction Concerns

According to Bloomberg, the agency stated that the feature has been available on moving vehicles since December 2020. Previously, it was only accessible when the vehicle was stationary. There were no accidents or injuries reported.

The investigation was also prompted by a complaint that Tesla drivers were seen playing video games while their vehicles were in motion. 

The NHTSA expressed concerns about driver distraction during the use of the feature. While the NHTSA did not seek a recall of the vehicles, it emphasized that the closing of the investigation does not indicate a finding that no safety-related defect exists and that further action may be taken if necessary.

How Tesla Addressed the Issue

Tesla reportedly responded to the NHTSA's concerns by stating that no consumer complaints or collisions had been reported regarding the use of Passenger Play during a year of use. 

The company also disabled the feature through an over-the-air software update, which achieved a 97% completion rate within a month of its release. The investigation covered Tesla vehicles sold since 2017 that were equipped with the Passenger Play feature.

The NHTSA's decision highlights the importance of implementing technology-based lockouts to prevent distracting activities rather than relying solely on administrative controls such as labeling or disclaimer screens. 

This echoes the agency's 2014 guidelines that urged automakers to prioritize safety and minimize driver distraction in the design and integration of infotainment devices in vehicles.

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The NHTSA continues to investigate Tesla's driver assistance system, Autopilot, which is installed in approximately 830,000 vehicles. We reported that in 2021, the agency demanded Tesla show its autopilot data after the company recorded 12 accidents at the time.

This investigation focuses on crashes involving parked emergency vehicles and aims to enhance understanding of human factors in relation to Tesla interfaces and the dynamic driving task.

What's In the News

Tesla's move to disable the Passenger Play feature while the vehicle is in motion aligns with the NHTSA's goal of promoting safe driving practices and minimizing distractions. 

It remains to be seen whether the NHTSA's closure of the investigation will have any long-term impact on Tesla's approach to in-vehicle entertainment systems. As for gaming consoles, Musk has already squashed such suggestions.

As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, safety and driver focus remain crucial elements that it considers and prioritizes.

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