Tesla Drivers Can Enjoy Video Games While Driving

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Tesla has come under safety controversy after it was confirmed that video games can be played on the touchscreen installed in front of the dashboard even while driving.

On the 7th (local time), according to The New York Times (NYT), Vince Patton, a customer from Oregon who purchased a Tesla Model 3, confirmed that video games can be played while driving and requested safety measures from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Patton said, "I played a game for about 5 seconds while driving and then turned it off," adding, "It essentially seems dangerous and is not right."

NYT pointed out that new concerns are emerging that Tesla’s addition of new technologies to the vehicle’s software system could threaten safety.

Tesla recently updated its software package for electric vehicle models to include new video games. Through this, users can enjoy games such as Solitaire card game and Sky Force Reloaded fighter game on the large touchscreen installed in front of the dashboard.

NYT noted, "Video games originally only worked when parked, but after the update, games can be played while driving," and added, "Although a message stating that games are for passengers appears on the screen during driving, drivers can also play games if they touch the screen."

Customers can also enjoy games while operating Tesla’s autonomous driving assistance feature, 'Autopilot,' increasing the risk of safety accidents.

Jonathan Adkins, director of the nonprofit Road Safety Association, said, "The gaming feature in Tesla cars is definitely a major concern from the driver’s perspective," and suggested that regulations and safety guidelines at the NHTSA level are necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.