Virtual Reality

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emphasized the necessity for drivers to maintain their attention on the road after several videos surfaced showing individuals driving Teslas while wearing what appeared to be Apple’s recently released Vision Pro headset. These videos, which gained widespread attention, have fueled concerns regarding the proper and responsible use of virtual reality (VR) technology while operating a vehicle.

Drivers Should Not Assume Tesla’s Autonomous Features Enable Distraction

Buttigieg took to Twitter to respond to a viral video featuring a Tesla driver who appeared to be gesturing with their hands to manipulate a virtual reality field. His tweet, addressing all advanced driver assistance systems including Tesla’s Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving, stressed that human drivers must be fully engaged and in control of their vehicles at all times, regardless of the name of assisted driving features.

Apple’s Vision Pro VR: Beauty and Utility

Apple released the Vision Pro VR headset last week, combining three-dimensional digital content with the viewer’s real surroundings. Although Apple emphasizes that the headset should never be used while operating a moving vehicle, concerns have been raised regarding potential misuse and its implications for road safety. Apple has not yet commented on the issue. The headset’s capabilities include the ability to interact with augmented reality (AR) versions of the surroundings and fully immersive VR experiences.

Tesla’s Autopilot: A Reminder of Human Responsibility

Tesla’s assisted driving features, including its Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving, are intended for use with fully attentive drivers who are prepared to take control of the vehicle if necessary. Buttigieg’s comments regarding these features emphasize the need for human drivers to remain fully engaged and maintain control at all times, affirming that current advanced driver assistance systems do not result in fully autonomous driving.

Conclusion

With the recent emergence of videos depicting Tesla drivers using Apple’s Vision Pro headset while driving, concerns about proper vehicle operation and potential distraction have been raised. Secretary Buttigieg’s comments remind drivers that even with advanced driver assistance systems, such as Tesla’s Autopilot, they are ultimately responsible for their own safety and the safety of others on the road. Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset, despite its innovative technology, is intended for use outside of operating vehicles. As technology advances, it is crucial for manufacturers and regulators to maintain a focus on the safe and responsible integration of emerging technologies within our everyday lives.