Tesla promotes driver monitoring
Elon Musk has announced that Tesla is taking steps to phase out the steering wheel “nag” feature, which currently requires drivers to apply resistance to the wheel at certain intervals while using Autopilot. In a tweet, Musk explained that the nag will be “gradually reduced, proportionate to improved safety.”
Musk announced in January that Tesla would remove the requirement to apply resistance to the steering wheel while using Autopilot. Musk responded to a tweet by @WholeMarsBlog, who asked if users with more than 10,000 miles driven using FSD Beta could have the option to disable the tedious steering wheel nag. Musk initially replied with, “Agreed, update coming in Jan.”
Since then, Tesla appears to have decided to instead slowly reduce the steering wheel nag. The interval that the car checks for active participation has changed over the years, but with it being somewhere around 30-60 seconds, it can sometimes become an annoyance to drivers.
NHTSA is Watching Closely
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating Tesla’s Autopilot system. Ann Carlson, the acting head of the NHTSA, has emphasized the need for thoroughness and care in the investigation, which also seeks to determine whether drivers are paying attention when using Autopilot. In January, Carlson revealed that the NHTSA had contacted Tesla regarding the planned removal of the steering wheel nag.
Amid this scrutiny, Tesla’s decision to reduce the steering wheel nag may be seen as a response to the NHTSA’s concerns about driver attentiveness when using Autopilot. By phasing out the nag, Tesla could demonstrate its commitment to enhancing safety while advancing its autonomous vehicle technology.
The Impact on Autonomous Vehicle Regulations
As Tesla moves to phase out the steering wheel nag, the company may encounter regulatory challenges. Tesla must maintain open communication with regulatory agencies like the NHTSA and demonstrate that the transition to vision-based monitoring will not compromise safety. By doing so, Tesla can help shape the future of autonomous vehicle regulations while staying at the forefront of the industry.
Tesla’s plan to gradually reduce the steering wheel nag presents an opportunity for the company to collaborate with regulatory agencies in refining driver monitoring standards. By working closely with the NHTSA and other organizations, Tesla can help create a safer environment for autonomous vehicle users, while continuing to push the boundaries of self-driving technology.