Tesla ruling: AUDIO MOBIL’s solution

As some media outlets report, the Higher Regional Court in Karlsruhe imposed a driving ban on a Tesla driver who skidded off the road in the rain while trying to change the windshield wiper interval on the touchscreen in the center console.

The central display is regarded as an electronic device within the meaning of Section 23 (1a) sentences 1 and 2 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), the operation of which is only permitted for the driver under certain conditions. Operation is prohibited if it involves prolonged glances at the screen.

The court ruling will also cause a stir among automotive manufacturers. Functions operated via the touchscreen are coming under fire, as operation usually requires more attention than with “conventional controls”.

In this context, it is questionable to implement operating concepts in vehicles that run counter to intuitive use—as is conventionally familiar via steering column stalks or other established alternatives. It now seems like a compulsive attempt to be “different” just to stand out from the bulk of OEMs. The fact that the user experience suffers just as much as vehicle safety cannot be a path worth pursuing. But how can future vehicle input systems be designed so that both usability and occupant safety are ensured?

ÖNORM V 5090, developed by the Austrian Standards Institute Austrian Standards, is a test procedure for potential distractions caused by driver information and driver assistance systems in the car.

With ÖNORM V 5090, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers can, for the first time, use an HMI test to assess holistically whether a technology is safe to operate. This is crucial for further development, optimization, and also the conceptual design of existing and new models. Tesla will likely have to rethink its operating concept as well.

As the world’s first supplier, AUDIO MOBL offers the application of this test procedure on a secured in-house test site, enabling automotive manufacturers to identify distraction potential at an early stage. This makes it possible to implement an operating concept that is safe to use and compliant with legal requirements already during the development stage.

In addition to the test according to the ÖNORM, AUDIO MOBIL offers a steering wheel concept that focuses precisely on these requirements. All functions are integrated into the steering wheel, allowing the driver to focus entirely on the road. Driving tests with participants showed that the integrated touchscreen is not used while driving—if not outright rejected—and that drivers use only the haptic controls that are also available, such as buttons and switches.

Photo: Tesla