Tesla has controversially started to allow its owners to play games while driving. Yes, you read that right.
For many years, Tesla’s advanced infotainment system has included a plethora of different games that drivers can enjoy. However, the vehicle would need to be parked for the games to work. Now, Tesla has introduced a software update that means select games can now be played while the car is in motion.
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The update has made headlines because Tesla Model 3 owner Vince Patton filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after watching a YouTube video that showed how drivers can play games on the infotainment screen. Among the games that can be played while the car is moving are Solitaire and Sky Force Reloaded.
“I was just dumbfounded that, yes, sure enough, this sophisticated video game came up,” Patton told the Associated Press. “Somebody’s going to get killed. It’s absolutely insane.”
The New York Times reports that the system displays a warning screen reading “playing while the car is in motion is only for passengers.” However, given that the infotainment screen also displays key vehicle functions, particularly on the Model 3 and Model Y, it goes without saying that drivers could be easily distracted by games that passengers are playing or even tempted to play games themselves.
The NHTSA has confirmed it is looking into the issue, although it has yet to open a formal investigation.
“We are aware of driver concerns and are discussing the feature with the manufacturer,” a spokeswoman said. “The Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles with design defects posing unreasonable risks to safety.”