Palo Alto, CA – Tesla announced on August 4, 2023 that it would be releasing a software update to activate hazard lights automatically in the event of an accident. The new safety feature is designed to increase the visibility of Tesla vehicles after airbag deployment.
According to the announcement, the software update will cause hazard lights to turn on and flash at 10 times per second if the vehicle’s airbags deploy. This rapid flashing creates a highly visible signal to other drivers and emergency responders compared to the standard 3 flashes per second.
“By making the vehicle more visible after an accident, this new feature aims to improve safety and potentially save lives,” said Tesla in a statement.
The hazard lights will remain activated until being manually shut off or the vehicle is powered down. This ensures increased visibility is maintained until emergency crews arrive on-scene.
Tesla stated the automatic hazard light activation will only occur in vehicles already equipped with the capability and is rolling out to models worldwide via an over-the-air software update. Owners can check for the update by accessing the “Software” menu on their vehicle’s touchscreen interface.
Safety advocates have applauded the new capability, agreeing it provides an important supplement to existing accident response features. They note the improved visibility at night or in poor weather events could help prevent secondary accidents and assist first responders.
The automatic hazard light activation serves as Tesla’s latest safety innovation rolled out through continual software improvements. Owners can expect more enhancements focused on accident prevention and occupant protection in future updates.
