Are People Really Mindlessly Riding in Teslas with Apple's Futuristic Goggles?

The Scene

Videos circulating on social media this week have depicted a seemingly dystopian and futuristic scenario: drivers cruising in Teslas on Autopilot mode while donning Apple Vision Pro headsets, seemingly oblivious to the road ahead.

The Reality Check

But let's pause for a moment and ask ourselves: Are people truly mindlessly riding around in Teslas with Apple's futuristic goggles? Or is this just another ploy for attention in the competitive digital world of clicks, likes, views, and clout?

Unveiling the Goggles

Apple's new goggles have a unique feature that merges digital apps and one's surroundings into an immersive space. Since their release on Feb. 2, videos have emerged on the internet showing people wearing the goggles in peculiar settings.

Staged or Not?

Many of the videos filmed inside cars appear to be staged, with clear indications that someone other than the driver is recording. It's important to note that these videos are not widespread. However, they have raised enough concern for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to weigh in on social media.

A Reminder from Transportation Officials

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that "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." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also issued a statement, deeming driving while wearing a virtual reality headset as reckless and endangering the safety of everyone on the road.

Let's remember that safety should always be our top priority, both on and off the road.