Washington, D.C. – US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for drivers to remain attentive at all times, following the emergence of videos showing individuals apparently using what resembled Apple’s newly released Vision Pro headset while driving Teslas.
The videos prompted Buttigieg to address the issue on Twitter, as he pointed out the vital requirement for human drivers to maintain full engagement in the driving task, regardless of any advanced driver assistance systems utilized.
Despite the names of Tesla’s driving features such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, Buttigieg clarified that these do not indicate fully autonomous vehicles. Apple’s Vision Pro, released last week, merges digital content with real-world views, yet the company emphasizes that it should not be used while operating a moving vehicle.
Apple’s Vision Pro is designed to interact with augmented reality (AR) or fully immersive virtual reality (VR) environments through the use of eye, hand, and voice commands. However, the company did not intend for it to be used for commuting purposes.
Tesla, on the other hand, has previously stated that their advanced driver features are intended for use with a fully attentive driver ready to take over at any moment.
Buttigieg’s comments come as a reminder of the paramount importance for drivers to remain fully engaged and in control, especially when using advanced driver assistance systems such as those offered by Tesla and Apple’s Vision Pro.
This development also raises questions about the ethical and safety implications of integrating advanced VR and AR technologies into daily driving experiences, highlighting the need for further regulatory and public awareness initiatives regarding their usage while operating vehicles.