In the fast-paced world of technology, getting swept away by the latest gadgets and gizmos is easy as there is lots of interesting stuff to surf through.
But when it comes to driving, safety should always come first, regardless of whether the car is self-driven.
Recently, there's been a buzz about Tesla owners using the Apple Vision Pro headset while behind the wheel, raising some serious concerns.
Videos have been popping up online showing drivers using Tesla's self-driving feature, cruising down the road with these futuristic visors on, immersing themselves in virtual worlds while their cars handle the driving.
It might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the reality is far from glamorous.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to social media to issue a stark reminder: all advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be fully engaged at all times.
That means no zoning out in virtual reality while your car does the work.
"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," Pete Buttigieg posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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. pic.twitter.com/OpPy36mOgC
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 5, 2024
One particularly alarming clip shows a Tesla driver getting pulled over by the police while wearing the headset.
However, the driver later confessed it was just a prank, claiming the video was made for a skit.
Apple and Tesla have warned against using the Vision Pro headset while operating vehicles.
Apple's user guide explicitly cautions against it, and Tesla emphasizes that drivers must maintain control and responsibility for their vehicles, even when in autonomous mode.
The Vision Pro headset, with its $3,500 price tag, is undoubtedly a sleek piece of technology.
It promises to transport users to new worlds with immersive experiences in video games, movies, and virtual spaces.
While some may argue that the headset allows users to see through the glass in certain modes, the truth is that it still severely restricts vision while driving, as certain apps are bound to pop up unexpectedly.
With distracted driving already claiming thousands of lives each year, the call for proper utilisation is well due.
The government's warning to Tesla owners using the Apple Vision Pro is a timely reminder that technology should never come at the expense of safety.
As exciting as these advancements may be, they should never distract us from the task at hand: driving safely.