US Transportation Inspectorate investigates Tesla over headunit games

The US Transportation Inspectorate is opening an investigation into Tesla because of the feature to play games on the display in the car. This could lead to distracted drivers and possible accidents. The NHTSA wants a preliminary investigation into the security aspects.

For the time being, this is a preliminary evaluation, which may lead to an official investigation, writes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency will investigate Tesla Models 3, S, X and Y released in the United States between 2017 and now. Since last year, it has been possible to play games on the dashboard display on those cars. This is also possible when the car is moving. Previously, it was only possible to play those games when the vehicle was parked.

The NHTSA wants to know whether that so-called Passenger Play is safe. It could potentially ‘distract the driver and increase the risk of an accident’. The research should look at how big that effect is on the driver.

In 2013, the NHTSA issued guidelines that stated that new features should not distract the driver. The preliminary investigation must see whether Tesla complies with that guideline. The agency does not write what the possible consequences are if this is not the case. It may force Tesla to change or remove the feature. The NHTSA has been investigating Tesla for some time, specifically looking at the operation of the Autopilot software.