Viral Videos of Tesla Drivers Wearing VR Headsets Raises Concerns for US Government

WASHINGTON: U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Monday said human drivers must pay attention at all times after videos emerged of people driving Teslas while wearing what appeared to be Apple’s recently released Vision Pro headset.

Buttigieg responded on X to a video that had more than 24 million views of a Tesla driver who appeared to be gesturing with his hands to manipulate a virtual reality field.

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“Reminder—ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times,” Buttigieg said.

Many Such Videos of Tesla Drivers Using VR Headsets Had Sparked Concerns:

Apple’s Vision Pro was released last week and blends three-dimensional digital content with a view of the outside world. Apple, which says people should never use it while operating a moving vehicle, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Buttigieg has made similar comments previously about the use of Tesla Autopilot. Tesla says its advanced driver features are intended for use with a fully attentive driver “who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.”

Meanwhile, in a long-awaited move, Apple has finally unleashed its game-changing Vision Pro headset in the United States, with global anticipation building for its widespread release in February 2024. This futuristic headset not only promises an immersive virtual reality experience but also boasts 3D vision technology, delivering visuals so lifelike that tech enthusiasts are left in awe. However, as the internet revels in a memefest sparked by the device, safety concerns have emerged as a central theme.

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In less than a week since its debut, videos have surfaced depicting users donning the Apple Vision Pro headset while strolling on the street, driving a car, and even navigating the bustling metros – a testament to the device’s versatile and captivating appeal, albeit raising questions about the balance between technological marvels and safety consciousness.