The systems’ names – Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving – are somewhat misleading, as none of them actually enable Tesla vehicles to drive themselves. Instead, they require drivers to be alert and keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently warned against obstructing one’s vision with the Apple Vision Pro while driving, emphasizing the need for drivers to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times. There are legal implications for such behavior as well.

For instance, driving while wearing AR/VR headsets is illegal in some states, such as Alaska, and can be considered a misdemeanor. If such behavior results in injury or death, it can escalate to a felony act.

Despite the serious nature of these legal consequences, at least one of the drivers in the viral videos was doing it for comedic purposes, which is especially concerning given the potential risks to others on the road. Both Apple and Tesla have remained silent on these incidents, and it’s worth noting that Apple explicitly advises against using the Vision Pro while driving in its user guide.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible and alert driving, especially when utilizing advanced driver assistance systems.