A viral video showing a driver seemingly allowing Tesla’s new Cybertruck to drive itself while wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset has raised concerns at the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Despite the names of Tesla’s driver-assistance features—Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving—these systems do not make the vehicles fully autonomous, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized on Monday via social media.
“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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).
His statement was in response to a video that had garnered over 24 million views, showing a Tesla driver removing his hands from the steering wheel while appearing to interact with a virtual reality display, similar to Apple’s Vision Pro.
The 23-second video was shared on February 2, the same day the high-priced Vision Pro became available in U.S. stores.
Apple’s user guide specifically warns against using the Vision Pro while driving. “Never use the device while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety,” the guide states.
In December, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles across various models to address a malfunctioning system meant to ensure drivers remain attentive while using the Autopilot feature.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Tesla in 2021 following crashes involving the company’s driver-assistance technology, which resulted in more than a dozen fatalities.
Last year, the NHTSA informed CBS News that its investigation found Tesla’s Autopilot systems inadequate at ensuring driver attentiveness.
While Autopilot can handle steering, acceleration, and braking within its lane, it cannot operate the vehicle autonomously.
In a report filed with the NHTSA, Tesla acknowledged that Autopilot’s safeguards “may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.”
The driver in the viral video later told that the clip was made as part of a “skit” with friends, and he operated the vehicle while wearing the Apple headset for about 30 to 40 seconds.
