After the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it had launched a formal investigation into the Tesla feature that lets passengers play some games while the vehicle is in motion, the automaker will now remove the ability in a coming software update.
The NHTSA said on Thursday Tesla told the agency it will release a software update to lock the ‘Passenger Play’ feature while driving.
“The NHTSA constantly assesses how manufacturers identify and safeguard against distraction hazards that may arise due to faults, misuse, or intended use of convenience technologies, including infotainment screens,” said an NHTSA spokesperson to Reuters.
Back in November, a Tesla Model 3 owner lodged a complaint against the passenger play feature with the NHTSA after realizing it could be engaged while driving; the only thing preventing the driver from playing games while driving is a warning message that can be clicked away.
Tesla’s ability to send software updates to vehicles allows the automaker to address common issues and complaints, at far faster rates than traditional automakers.
Update: Looks like Tesla has added the following action prompt in its latest software update, which asks, “adjust the passenger seat controls to verify you are a passenger,” to ensure drivers aren’t playing games while driving.
Look like no more pretending you are a passenger to play games while driving. The car will now ask you "Adjust the passenger seat controls to verify you are a passenger."
Suddenly that passenger lumbar control becomes super used I guess?
— green (@greentheonly) December 24, 2021
