Passenger’s Terrifying Experience in Tesla Robotaxi
A passenger in a Tesla Robotaxi in San Francisco reported a harrowing experience when the vehicle’s “safety driver” fell completely asleep during the ride. The incident has reignited debates over the reliability of self-driving technology and the role of human oversight.
What Happened During the Ride?
The passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, said the Tesla was operating in autonomous mode with a human driver present as a backup. Mid-journey, the driver slumped forward and appeared unconscious.
“I tried to wake them, but they didn’t respond,” the passenger said. “The car was driving itself, but what if something went wrong?” The incident left them feeling vulnerable as the vehicle continued navigating city streets without an alert safety monitor.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Claims Questioned
Tesla has consistently promoted its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology as a step toward accident-free roads, emphasizing that human drivers are only a precaution. However, this incident highlights a major flaw—if the safety driver is incapacitated, who takes control?
Dr. Anil Gupta, an automotive safety expert, warns:
“A sleeping safety driver makes the entire backup system meaningless. Until autonomy is flawless, human oversight must be vigilant.”
Growing Regulatory Scrutiny on Tesla
This isn’t the first time Tesla’s autonomous tech has faced criticism. The NHTSA is investigating multiple crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot, with reports of sudden braking and erratic lane changes.
Transport advocate Priya Menon argues:
“Companies can’t cut corners on safety. If passengers don’t trust these systems, adoption will stall.”
Could Better Safety Measures Help?
Critics demand stricter rules, including:
– Fatigue detection for safety drivers
– Live remote monitoring
– Dual-driver setups for redundancy
Tesla has not yet commented on this specific incident, but the debate over robotaxi safety protocols is heating up.
Key Takeaway: Safety Can’t Be an Afterthought
This incident is a wake-up call for Tesla and the broader self-driving industry. While autonomous tech promises a revolutionary future, lapses in human oversight could cost lives—and public trust.
— NextMinuteNews Team
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