Musk says Tesla’s new software allows texting and driving, which is illegal in most states

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an

Musk responded to another user who noticed that the latest software update, known as FSD, was not issuing a warning while he was using his phone while driving. Tesla CEO books The update allows this “depending on the context of surrounding traffic.”

Musk did not provide any details, and Tesla does not have a public relations team that can provide more information. Musk did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

Nearly all 50 states have banned texting while driving, and about half of the states have made it illegal to use a cell phone while driving. According to To the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Despite Musk’s constant hype, FSD is still a driver-assistance system that doesn’t make Tesla cars fully autonomous. Drivers, who are warned by Tesla to keep their hands on the wheel even when FSD is engaged, bear responsibility.

The FSD uses a combination of an in-cabin camera and steering wheel sensors to monitor driver attention. Because FSD is just driver assistance software, not full autonomy, drivers must be prepared to take control of the car if the system encounters a situation it can’t handle. This handover of control is often a major component of accidents involving the use of driver assistance systems.

Musk itself He has said in the past Autopilot, the driver-assistance system that comes standard in all Tesla vehicles, sometimes makes drivers feel satisfied and confident. I have found organizers More than ten fatal accidents Where the autopilot was active.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). currently The FSD was investigated after more than 50 reports of it running red lights or crossing the wrong lanes were discovered. NHTSA is also investigating FSD I mentioned Crashes in low visibility conditions. NHTSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla is also nearing the end of a long legal battle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles over how the company markets FSD and its less capable predecessor, Autopilot. During a series of hearings in July, the DMV accused Tesla of misleading customers for many years Their cars can drive themselves. The government agency asked the judge to suspend the company’s sale and manufacture of its cars for at least 30 days. A decision in this case is expected by the end of this year.