TECH - Elon Musk's Tesla Autopilot Faces Scrutiny As US Safety Regulator Questions 'Driver Inattention' Risk | Benzinga
In a move that intensifies scrutiny on Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), the U.S. auto safety regulator has demanded an explanation on a software change in the company’s Autopilot driver assistance system, Reuters reported.
In a recently revealed letter, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the software change that potentially allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel for extended periods, increasing the risk of collisions.
The NHTSA issued a special order on July 26, asking Tesla to provide documents and answer questions about the Autopilot modification. The regulator expressed its concern about the relaxed controls leading to greater driver inattention and the potential for misuse of the Autopilot system.
“NHTSA is concerned that this feature was introduced to consumer vehicles and, now that the ...