Are Telsa’s Touchscreens Screens Enabling Distracted Driving?

Tesla’s minimalist interior design, characterized by a large central touchscreen that controls nearly all vehicle functions, has been a hallmark of the brand since its inception. While praised for its sleekness and technological innovation, concerns are mounting about the potential safety hazards posed by this heavy reliance on touchscreens.

Proponents of the touchscreen interface highlight its clean aesthetics and the ability to constantly update features through software. However, critics argue that taking driver focus away from the road to navigate menus and adjust controls can be dangerous. Seek a car accident attorney such as Joshua Brumley if you were injured in a crash with a distracted Tesla Driver

The Distraction Factor

Studies by organizations like AAA and Vi Bilägare, a Swedish car magazine, have shown that interacting with touchscreens can significantly distract drivers. A 2017 AAA study found that using in-car touchscreen systems took drivers’ eyes off the road for an average of 12 seconds, with some instances exceeding 40 seconds. At highway speeds, this translates to covering a considerable distance while visually impaired.

Touchscreens, unlike physical buttons, require visual confirmation of selection. This necessitates looking away from the road, even for simple tasks like adjusting climate control or changing radio stations.  A YouTube video: m.youtube.com demonstrates the time it takes to complete basic tasks using a touchscreen while driving, highlighting the potential for distraction.

Tesla’s Specific Concerns

Beyond the general distraction concerns with touchscreens, some features of Tesla’s interface raise additional red flags. The massive size of the screen in some models can be overwhelming, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road for extended periods. Additionally, functions crucial for safe driving, like defrosting windows or engaging hazard lights, are buried within menus, adding to the distraction.

Another point of contention is Tesla’s reliance on its cabin camera system to monitor driver attentiveness while using Autopilot, the car’s semi-autonomous driving feature. Consumer Reports conducted a test revealing that the system failed to detect a driver looking away at a phone while Autopilot was engaged, raising concerns about its effectiveness in preventing distraction caused by the touchscreen itself.

Tesla’s Defense

Tesla argues that its touchscreen interface is intuitive and minimizes distraction. The company points to voice commands and a scroll wheel as alternative control options that keep drivers’ eyes on the road. Additionally, Tesla highlights the constant improvement of its software, aiming to optimize the user experience and minimize the need for excessive interaction.

However, critics argue that voice commands are not foolproof, especially in noisy environments.  Furthermore, relying on software updates can be problematic. A recent touchscreen malfunction, where the screen overheated, lagged, and went blank,  demonstrated the potential dangers of a system overload when critical controls are solely touchscreen-based.

The debate surrounding Tesla’s touchscreens is far from settled. While the technology offers undeniable advantages in terms of design and functionality, safety concerns remain. As other car manufacturers adopt similar touchscreen-heavy interfaces, it becomes an industry-wide issue demanding solutions.

The future of car infotainment systems likely lies in a balance between technological innovation and driver safety. Tesla, as a leader in the electric vehicle and autonomous driving space, has a significant responsibility to prioritize safety in its design choices. By acknowledging the distraction concerns and implementing effective solutions, Tesla can ensure its touchscreens remain a technological marvel without compromising the safety of drivers and passengers.