Tesla's 'Elon Mode' faces scrutiny in the US
Tesla's hands-free Autopilot feature, which lets drivers drive without having to hold the steering wheel for extended periods, is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US. The agency has requested data from Tesla regarding this feature, as reported by Bloomberg.
The NHTSA's inquiry stems from incidents where Tesla vehicles have collided with emergency vehicles. The agency's letter to Tesla, sent last month and recently published on its website, expresses worries about a specific Autopilot setup. This setup enables drivers to use the system for extended periods without needing to apply force to the steering wheel.
Normally, when a driver uses Tesla's Autopilot or Full Self-Driving mode and removes their hands from the steering wheel, the car's touchscreen displays a blinking symbol. If the driver continues to not grip the wheel, the system progresses to emitting beeping sounds. If no action is taken, the Autopilot functionality can be disabled.
In June, The Verge reported that a software hacker had discovered a way to deactivate this safety feature, playfully labeling it "Elon mode."
The NHTSA's letter expressed concerns that drivers might try to activate this potentially risky mode, given its reported existence. Tesla has not publicly acknowledged the feature's presence.
The agency stated in its letter, "Allowing the controls to loosen, which are meant to ensure the driver's engagement in the driving task, could result in increased driver distraction and failure to properly supervise Autopilot."
Tesla's user manual advises drivers using Autopilot to "always keep your hands on the steering wheel." Elon Musk mentioned last December that a forthcoming software update would allow
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