Tesla’s latest software update, featuring enhanced Parental Controls aimed at improving road safety, has garnered praise from critical care professionals and safety advocates in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Chris Hingston, an ICU doctor at the University Hospital of Wales, commended Tesla’s initiative, highlighting its potential to mitigate road accidents. “Great to see Tesla testing Parental Controls on cars, limiting performance. Really hope other manufacturers follow suit soon,” Hingston remarked, reflecting on the safety benefits observed in his medical practice.
The Parental Controls, introduced in Tesla’s recent software update 2024.26, allow parents to set speed limits, restrict accelerator usage, and activate safety features specifically for new drivers. A notable feature includes a “Night Curfew” function, notifying parents via the Tesla app if the vehicle is operated beyond set hours.
Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, lauded Tesla’s approach as “sensible,” leveraging existing vehicle technology to reinforce parental guidance. “Using the technology already built into the car to enforce the wise counsel of parents who are probably footing the bills makes a lot of sense for newly qualified young drivers,” Gooding noted, emphasizing the role of advanced safety features in reducing human error on the road.
Tesla’s focus on younger drivers aligns with safety concerns highlighted by Steve Cole of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Cole underscored the vulnerability of young drivers, citing statistics that show a significantly higher accident rate among under-25s compared to older age groups.
The introduction of these controls marks Tesla’s proactive step in enhancing vehicle safety through technological innovation. As the automotive industry progresses towards more autonomous capabilities, initiatives like Tesla’s Parental Controls signify a pivotal effort in safeguarding road users, particularly young and inexperienced drivers.