US highway safety regulators are currently investigating a hidden feature in Tesla’s Autopilot software that might disable safety prompts for steering wheel engagement.
This revelation has raised concerns that it may encourage unsafe driving practices, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to demand information from Tesla regarding the hidden feature and its potential implications for driver behavior.
Tesla’s Silence and Confidentiality
In a letter dated July 26, which was subsequently made public by the NHTSA, Acting Chief Counsel John Donaldson expressed unease about the discovery of this setting, colloquially referred to as Elon mode and its possible impact on road safety.
The concern is that drivers, now aware of this feature, might attempt to activate it, leading to a relaxation of controls meant to ensure driver engagement with Autopilot, potentially resulting in greater inattention and a failure to supervise the system adequately.
This issue came to light when a user on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, claimed in June to have accessed this hidden setting in Tesla’s software, effectively disabling the periodic reminders to hold the steering wheel while Autopilot or Full Self-Driving modes were active. This user even purportedly conducted a 600-mile test drive with these reminders turned off.
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NHTSA’s Information Demands
As of now, Tesla has not responded to requests for comment, and the NHTSA has declined to provide further details. The identity of the X user remains undisclosed, as they have chosen to remain anonymous and have not revealed the method by which they accessed the hidden setting.
The NHTSA’s letter to Tesla has called for information concerning the prevalence of this hidden feature in Tesla’s vehicle software, how it can be accessed, and the reasons behind its inclusion in consumer vehicles.
Additionally, the agency has requested records of accidents and near-miss incidents involving Tesla vehicles equipped with this concealed setting.
The deadline for Tesla to comply with these requests was set for August 25, with the warning of potential fines exceeding $26,000 per day for non-compliance.
This investigation is part of a broader ongoing review by the NHTSA into Tesla’s Autopilot software, following several accidents allegedly linked to the technology.
In the coming months, two lawsuits against Tesla related to Autopilot technology are expected to go to trial, further emphasizing the significance of this inquiry into the hidden feature’s potential safety implications.
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