Tesla Owners Receive Warning: Keep Apple VR Headsets Off While Driving

Feb 07, 2024 10:11 PM EST

(Photo : PEXELS/Armand Valendez)

The highly anticipated Apple VR Headsets, dubbed the Apple Vision Pro, made its grand debut on February 2 amidst the customary frenzy and fervent adulation synonymous with Apple launches. Despite its hefty price tag of $3,499 and reports of discomfort such as neck and back pain among users, this hasn't deterred customers, with approximately 200,000 units flying off the shelves since pre-orders opened.

Reminder: Keep Apple Vision Pro Off Focus on Driving

Tesla issued a cautionary reminder to its drivers, urging them to stay focused on the road amid the circulation of viral videos depicting motorists donning Apple's immersive VR gear. As reported by BBC, Pete Buttigieg, the US Secretary for Transportation, took to X to emphasize the imperative for drivers to remain actively engaged while behind the wheel of any vehicle.

However, one driver confessed that his video was merely a prank, prompting inquiries to both Tesla and Apple for their respective responses. The report also shared news about videos circulating online, which prompted Buttigieg to issue a warning.

Online videos have surfaced depicting individuals seated in vehicles equipped with autonomous capabilities, donning the Apple VR Headsets over their eyes. One of these videos caught the attention of Pete Buttigieg, who reiterated the importance of driver engagement.

A reminder was issued by Buttigieg, emphasizing that all advanced driver assistance systems currently available necessitate the human driver to maintain control and full engagement in the driving task at all times.

The user manual for Apple's headset cautions against using it while driving, whereas Tesla advises drivers to consistently "retain control and accountability for your vehicle," even in autonomous mode.

The Uploader Says: It's Scripted

On the day the Apple Vision Pro was released to the public, another video emerged, depicting a man seemingly being pulled over by the police while wearing the headset inside a Tesla.

However, according to Gizmodo, the individual clarified that it was a scripted performance he orchestrated with friends, revealing that he "drove with the headset for 30-40 seconds."

Meanwhile as reported in Daily Beast, the man was identified as Dante Lentinni. He posted the video on X. He further explained that he didn't get arrested. He informed Gizmodo that he happened to be in the right place at the right time, which is why they captured footage of the police.

Apples' Warning: Use Apple Vision Pro Cautiously

It is important to highlight that Apple cautions its users against wearing the headset while driving for any duration. According to Apple's safety guide, it advises users to "Never use Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety.

Likewise, Tesla's safety guide emphasizes the importance of users remaining "alert" when utilizing its Autopilot feature, along with the instruction to "keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times and maintain control of your vehicle.

Vision Pro owners have been observed not only wearing the headset while dining at restaurants and tending to their infants but also in alarming instances of crossing traffic intersections and even while driving vehicles.

The Incompliance Continues

As shared in Daily Beast, nevertheless, despite these warnings, individuals continue to entrust their safety to the metaverse by wearing the Vision Pro in inappropriate situations. In a notable instance, YouTuber Casey Neistat was seen wearing the Vision Pro while navigating the streets of Manhattan on an electric skateboard in one of his videos. Additionally, he demonstrated using the device while walking on the sidewalk and commuting on the subway.