Passenger Alarmed as Tesla Robotaxi “Safety” Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel
In a startling event that casts doubt on the reliability of autonomous vehicles, a Tesla Robotaxi passenger was left in fear when the human “safety driver” assigned to monitor the car fell completely asleep during the ride. The incident, which happened in San Francisco, has reignited debates about the effectiveness of self-driving technology and the role of human oversight.
The Frightening Incident
The passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that the ride began normally with the Tesla operating in “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) mode, designed to navigate streets autonomously while a human backup remains alert. However, minutes into the trip, the driver’s head dropped—then loud snoring confirmed they were fully unconscious as the car continued driving.
“The car was making turns, stopping at lights, and merging on its own, but the guy who was supposed to protect me was out cold,” the passenger said. “It was like something out of a sci-fi nightmare.”
Is Tesla’s Safety Driver Program Failing?
Tesla’s FSD is a Level 2 autonomous system, meaning it requires constant human supervision. But this incident exposes a critical flaw: if safety drivers aren’t alert, who’s ensuring passenger safety?
This isn’t the first time Tesla’s protocols have been questioned. Earlier in 2024, the NHTSA investigated multiple Autopilot-related crashes where drivers were distracted or misusing the system. Critics argue Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” branding misleads users into overestimating the tech’s capabilities.
Expert Reaction: A Broken Safety Net?
“Human oversight is meant to be the last line of defense,” says Dr. Ananya Rao, a transportation safety analyst. “If the human fails, the entire system collapses. Regulators must enforce stricter standards before wider adoption.”
Tesla’s Response and Broader Implications
Tesla stated it’s investigating the incident and reiterated that safety is its “top priority.” However, critics highlight that monotony during autonomous rides may lead to driver fatigue.
The incident arrives as Tesla pushes for FSD expansion, with Elon Musk claiming full autonomy is near. Yet, skeptics warn the tech isn’t ready—if human backups can’t stay awake, public trust in robotaxis may plummet.
What’s Next for Self-Driving Cars?
This event underscores that autonomous vehicles still face major safety hurdles. Until fail-safes improve, passengers may remain wary of putting their lives in the hands of both machines and inattentive humans.
Stay updated with NextMinuteNews for developments.
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