Tesla Owners Warned About Dangers of Wearing Apple’s Virtual Reality Headset While Driving
In a recent viral video trend, Tesla owners have been spotted wearing Apple’s newly released virtual reality headset while driving their vehicles. This alarming behavior has prompted a warning from US Secretary for Transport, Pete Buttigieg, who emphasized the importance of driver engagement at all times. While some videos turned out to be pranks, the potential risks associated with this activity cannot be ignored.
The videos circulating online depict individuals sitting in the driver’s seat of Tesla cars equipped with autonomous mode, with the Apple headset covering their eyes. Secretary Buttigieg took to social media to repost one of these videos, accompanied by a reminder that all advanced driver assistance systems currently available require the human driver to remain in control and fully engaged in the driving task. This serves as a crucial safety precaution to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.
While the authenticity of some videos has been called into question, it is essential to recognize the potential dangers of wearing a virtual reality headset while operating a vehicle. Apple’s user guide explicitly warns against using the headset while driving, emphasizing the need for drivers to maintain control and responsibility for their vehicles, even when autonomous features are activated. Tesla echoes this sentiment, urging drivers to remain attentive and in control at all times.
The Apple Vision Pro headset, which was released in the US on February 2nd, comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499 (£2,749). However, its availability in the UK has yet to be announced. While the headset offers various modes that allow users to see through the glass, it still significantly impairs vision while driving. This poses a significant risk to both the driver and other road users.
It is worth noting that Apple has intentionally avoided labeling its headset as virtual reality or any similar term. Instead, they refer to it as “spatial computing.” In a blog post aimed at developers, Apple explicitly discouraged the use of terms like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR) to describe the user experience. This strategic move highlights Apple’s unique approach to immersive technology.
Apart from driving, videos have also surfaced online showing individuals wearing the Apple headset in various public settings, such as the New York subway and the gym. While these scenarios may not pose immediate safety risks, they raise concerns about the potential for distraction and lack of situational awareness when using the headset in public spaces.
As this trend gains attention, it is crucial for Tesla owners and all drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. The allure of immersive technology should never compromise the well-being of oneself and others. By adhering to the guidelines set by both Tesla and Apple, drivers can ensure that they remain fully engaged and in control while behind the wheel. Let us remember that responsible driving is a shared responsibility that we all must uphold to create a safer future on our roads.