Just days after Apple’s highly-anticipated release of the Vision Pro headset, a Tesla driver has been caught on camera wearing the XR headset while driving. This incident has sparked a concern regarding the responsible use of advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles. The viral video, which has been viewed over 25 million times, clearly shows the driver interacting with an app or game using their hands while wearing the AR headset. This dangerous behavior has prompted US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg to issue a reminder that drivers must remain fully engaged and in control of their vehicles at all times, regardless of the assistance provided by these systems.
Pete Buttigieg emphasized the fact that all advanced driver assistance systems available today still require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task. Tesla, for instance, refers to its Autopilot feature as an “advanced driver assistance system”, emphasizing that the driver should always have their hands on the wheel and be prepared to take over control when necessary. Despite the technological advancements, current features offered by Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability do not make the vehicle autonomous. It is essential for drivers to understand that wearing an XR headset and being visually distracted is not compatible with being fully attentive and engaged in driving.
The recently-launched Vision Pro headset by Apple has been highly praised, primarily by their employees. This device offers users a unique way to interact with augmented reality (AR) apps in the real world. Contrary to popular belief, the Vision Pro does not allow users to actually see through the device. Instead, the headset uses two high-resolution main cameras to display a full-color feed on the internal Micro-OLED screen. The user’s eyes are then shown on the exterior of the device through an external display, creating the illusion of looking through the device. The Vision Pro is primarily advertised for use around the house or office, but some individuals have taken the headset to the streets, as demonstrated by the Tesla driver captured in the viral video.
The reckless actions of this Tesla driver can have severe consequences, not only for themselves but for other road users as well. The distraction caused by wearing an AR headset while operating a vehicle significantly impairs the driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations on the road, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, incidents like this highlight the potential misuse of advanced driver assistance systems. It is crucial for both automakers and regulators to address these concerns and improve safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident involving a Tesla driver using an AR headset while behind the wheel serves as a clear reminder of the importance of responsible and attentive driving. Regardless of the assistance provided by advanced driver assistance systems, it is the driver’s responsibility to remain in control of their vehicle at all times. The use of AR headsets or any other visually distracting devices while driving is both irresponsible and dangerous. Automakers, regulators, and drivers themselves must work together to ensure that the benefits of technology are not overshadowed by irresponsible behaviors on the road. Road safety should always be the top priority, and that starts with responsible and fully engaged drivers.
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