Tesla encourages drowsy drivers to activate full self-driving
Tesla has begun urging drivers who feel sleepy to use its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, according to a recent software update. This recommendation has raised alarms among safety advocates, who warn that the technology still requires active supervision. The move highlights ongoing debates about the capabilities and risks of Tesla's autonomous driving systems.
In a software update released in late September 2025, Tesla began prompting drivers experiencing drowsiness to enable Full Self-Driving mode. The notification appears in the vehicle's interface when sensors detect signs of fatigue, such as reduced steering input or eye closure. According to the article on Startup News FYI, this feature is part of Tesla's ongoing efforts to promote FSD, which the company describes as an advanced driver-assistance system.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has long championed FSD as a step toward full autonomy, but regulators and experts emphasize that it is not yet ready for unsupervised use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has previously investigated Tesla's Autopilot and FSD following multiple crashes, including incidents where drivers were inattentive. One notable case involved a fatal accident in 2023 where a driver using FSD fell asleep at the wheel.
Safety critics, including the Center for Auto Safety, argue that encouraging drowsy drivers to rely on FSD could exacerbate risks. 'Full Self-Driving is a misnomer; it requires constant driver attention,' said Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, in a statement referenced in the report. Tesla counters that FSD includes safeguards like driver monitoring cameras and alerts to prevent misuse.
The timing of this update coincides with Tesla's push to increase FSD adoption ahead of a planned robotaxi launch. As of September 2025, FSD is available as a subscription or one-time purchase for Tesla owners, with version 12.5 introducing enhanced highway and city driving capabilities. However, the software has faced scrutiny for occasional errors, such as phantom braking or lane deviations.
This development underscores broader concerns in the autonomous vehicle industry about balancing innovation with safety. While Tesla reports millions of miles driven with FSD, independent analyses suggest higher crash rates compared to human drivers in certain scenarios. NHTSA continues to monitor the technology, urging drivers to remain vigilant regardless of assistance features.