Tesla is striving to remain a major player in the self-driving car market, raising questions about whether the company is prioritizing innovation over safety. Tesla CEO Elon Musk indicated last month that the company may soon allow drivers to text while using its self-driving technology, pending a review of safety statistics.
The statement followed positive reviews of Tesla's latest self-driving software, including from Geoff Perlman, a technology executive from Texas who has been testing the system in Austin. Perlman noted the software's ability to navigate complex lane changes and parking situations, even suggesting it could benefit his elderly father-in-law. Despite his positive experience, Perlman expressed reservations about texting while the system is engaged. "Staring at the phone when you're in a several thousand pound vehicle travelling down the highway at this point seems crazy to me," he said.
Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system, currently priced at $8,000, is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that automates some driving tasks. However, it is not a fully autonomous system, and drivers are expected to remain attentive and ready to take control. The debate over texting while using ADAS highlights a key challenge in the industry: balancing technological advancement with driver responsibility.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating Tesla's Autopilot system, a less advanced version of FSD, following numerous accidents. Safety advocates argue that allowing texting could lead to increased distracted driving and compromise safety, even with advanced driver-assistance systems.
Musk's comments on allowing texting while driving came during a call with investors. He stated, "We're going to look closely at the safety statistics, but we will allow you to text and drive essentially." The company has not yet released a timeline for when this feature might be implemented. The decision will likely depend on the results of ongoing safety data analysis and regulatory considerations.
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