Tesla has introduced an innovative feature called 'Driver Drowsiness Warning'. This new safety uses the vehice's internal camera to detect and warn potentially fatigued drivers.
Beyond Autopilot
Tesla's driver's monitoring systems have thus far been limited to Autopilot and FSD use, warning users to pay attention to the road while Autopiot is engaged. However, this is the first time Tesla is monitoring drivers while Autoilot is off. Driver Drowsiness Warning is expected to be Tesla's next active safety feature.
Tracking Metrics
Renowned Tesla hacker @greentheonly shed light on the forthcoming feature back in May. By decompiling Tesla's firmware, he unveiled that Tesla plans to utilize its camera-based monitoring system to gauge signs of driver fatigue. This includes tracking metrics such as the number of yawns and blinks, alongside evaluating driving patterns that are associated with drowsiness.
How Does It Work?
The Driver Drowsiness Warning system is only activated when vehicles have been driving for at least 10 minutes and the vehicle is traveling over 40 mph (65 km/h). Autopilot must also be disengaged. If the system recognizes symptoms of drowsiness, a visual alert flashes on the screen, matched by an audible warning. The notification prompts drivers to consider pulling over for a break before continuing to drive. However, Tesla will not prevent the driver from operating the vehicle.
Drawing data from the cabin camera and studying driving behaviors, Tesla's new feature employs a multifaceted methodology. It observes the driver's facial characteristics, such as yawning and blinking frequencies and driving patterns, such as lane warnings, to discern drowsiness. Once flagged, the alert remains on the screen until the driver is alert or slows down below 40 mph.
Turning Off the Warning
Tesla's new Driver Drowsiness Warning is sort of optional. Although you can disable it in the vehicle's settings by navigating to Controls > Safety > Driver Drowsiness, it is automatically re-enabled at the start of each drive.
Tesla will now monitor drivers for drowsiness
Not a Tesla App
Is this the Nag?
For anyone who has driven a Tesla with Full Self Driving enabled, you are well aware of the nag. For those who have not had the pleasure, it's a visual and audible warning to "apply slight pressure to the wheel" or to pay attention to the road. Tesla has considered removal of the nag before but quickly met resistance.
However, this kind of new nag could've played a role in preventing the crash where the FSD system warned the driver to take control 150 times over 45 minutes before the impact with emergency vehicles.
Evolving Monitoring Capabilities
Tesla's journey in driver monitoring has witnessed significant evolution. While initial systems were limited to detecting torque on the steering wheel, advancements post-2021 included the cabin-facing camera to ascertain driver attention. This shift marked Tesla's venture into comprehensive driver observation, ensuring the driver's gaze remains fixed on the road and is devoid of handheld device distractions.
Release Date
The feature's unveiling in Tesla's European owner's manual points to an imminent release. However, the feature doesn't appear to be active yet. Tesla's release notes have made no mention of this significant change so far, but it could be in an upcoming update. When the feature is released, we expect it to be available in select regions. Tesla will typically release a new feature such as this one in specific regions to gather additional data before making it available more widely.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
Enhance Auto’s innovative products elevate your Tesla experience. The customizable S3XY Buttons and Knob offer seamless control over vehicle features with a simple press or turn. Visit enhauto.com to explore their full range of products and transform your driving experience today!
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.