Don’t wear Apple Vision Pro while piloting a self-driving Tesla, officials warn
Social media stunts with Teslas inspire real warnings that seem straight out of sci-fi.
US Secretary of Transportation issues warning
The recent launch of the Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset has led to an increase in social media stunts, including a viral video of someone wearing the headset while driving a Tesla in self-driving mode. Consequently, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg issued a warning on social media.
Buttigieg emphasized that all advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged at all times. His warning serves as a reminder that wearing the Apple Vision Pro while piloting a self-driving Tesla is a dangerous and irresponsible act.
Experiments with Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro's mixed-reality features allow users to see the world around them while using the device, thanks to its stereoscopic VR and camera passthrough capabilities. This has inspired people to experiment with wearing the headset in public spaces and record their experiences for platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
While some individuals may be genuinely attempting to use the Apple Vision Pro while driving, The New York Times has pointed out that many videos appear staged, with someone else recording the person wearing the headset behind the wheel. Despite this, the popularity of these social media stunts has the potential to inspire others to engage in reckless behavior.
Dangers of distracted driving
Driving while distracted is a serious hazard that can have fatal consequences. In 2021 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,522 Americans. Both officials and Apple's own safety guidelines emphasize the importance of not using the Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that driving while wearing a VR headset, such as the Apple Vision Pro, is reckless and disregards the safety of others on the road. All vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems require a fully attentive human driver who is capable of performing the driving task and monitoring the surrounding environment at all times.
