Tesla is known for constantly updating and improving its fleet of cars with over the air software, and is now rolling out another safety feature that will make roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, cars and other road users.
In a OTA software update, the company has rolled out a new blind spot warning system so Tesla drivers don’t open their doors in front of cars or other vulnerable road users.
This has now started to go out as part of the 2024.44 software release, and one Tesla driver showcased the feature in a real-world example when opening their Model 3 driver’s door.
In a video shared on X, Tesla Model 3 owner Max shows how his Tesla Model 3 prevents the driving door from opening and makes an audible warning sound as another VW approaches.
The car then displays a message on the infotainment screen that states, “Door opening prevented—Check surroundings. Passing pedestrian, bike, or vehicle detected.”
In addition, the 2024 Tesla Model 3’s door-mounted blind spot monitoring light illuminates to let the driver know that something is in the blind spot.
New Anti-Door-Opening Feature!@TeslaNewswire @NotATeslaApp @Tesla #tesla #model3 pic.twitter.com/B4YkclRDx2
— Max Bracco (@max_bracco) November 21, 2024
This will be a very valuable feature for many drivers, especially those who drive and park on busy city streets with a lot of traffic and other road users.
At this stage, the feature is likely to be offered only offered on the refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 and upwards given only these vehicles have blind spot monitoring. After getting this update, drivers will need to enable it under the Controls, then the Safety section of the infotainment screen.
Having said that, it could be passed onto older vehicles and Model Y fleet with future software updates.
This was shown less than 12 months ago when Tesla rolled out another OTA update, which included blind-spot indicators on the blind-spot camera view while changing lanes.
After the 2023 holidays update, the camera view in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles could show a shade of red if another car is in the vehicle’s blind spot.
Tesla is known for having some of the safest cars on the market. The updated Model 3 received not only structural updates but also a list of safety features that continue to grow with new OTA software updates.
It’s likely many of the technological upgrades the Model 3 saw will be carried over into the upcoming Model Y which we are expecting in the first quarter of 2025.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.