Elon Musk's Tesla Autopilot comes under scrutiny as US safety regulator questions risk of 'driver inattention'

In a move that intensifies Tesla Inc.'s TSLA scrutiny of Elon Musk, the US auto safety regulator has demanded an explanation of a software change in the help system to the company's Autopilot driving, Reuters reported.

In a newly revealed letter, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating software change that potentially allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods of time, increasing risk of collisions. .

NHTSA issued a special order on July 26, asking Tesla to provide documents and answer questions regarding the Autopilot modification. The regulator has expressed concern over the loosening of controls leading to greater driver inattention and the risk of misuse of the autopilot system.

“NHTSA is concerned that this feature has been introduced in consumer vehicles, and now that its existence is known to the public, more drivers may attempt to enable it. The resulting loosening of controls designed to ensure the driver remains engaged in the dynamic driving task could lead to increased driver inattentiveness and inability to properly supervise the autopilot,” NHTSA said in a letter.

The order did not require the recall of Tesla vehicles, but late responses to the special order could result in a daily penalty of $26,315.

Read more: Elon Musk slams DOJ's double standards following federal agency's SpaceX lawsuit over immigrant hiring

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