With the advent of Apple's Vision Pro, the realm of mixed reality has taken a significant leap forward. However, this technological breakthrough has also sparked controversy, especially after images and videos of individuals wearing the Vision Pro while driving Tesla vehicles began circulating on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
In response to these viral visuals, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of drivers being fully engaged and alert in all vehicles, a stance that underscores the potential safety hazards posed by the use of such immersive technology while driving.
The situation escalated following an incident where a driver was pulled over by the police for operating a vehicle with the Vision Pro headset on. This incident has prompted a reminder from Apple in its user manual, advising against the use of the headset while driving.
Tesla has reiterated its stance on the matter, emphasizing that even in autonomous mode, drivers must maintain control and responsibility for their vehicle at all times. The company's warning comes in the wake of safety concerns surrounding the use of mixed reality headsets, such as the Vision Pro, which was launched on February 2nd and is currently available for sale in the U.S. at a starting price of $3,499. Tesla's cautionary advice highlights the broader implications of integrating emerging technologies into everyday activities, especially those involving safety-critical tasks such as driving.
