• U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned against driving while using VR headsets after a viral video showed a Tesla driver seemingly using Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
  • Buttigieg emphasised the importance of remaining attentive despite advanced driver-assist systems, clarifying that vehicles like Tesla’s Autopilot are not fully autonomous.
  • Apple’s Vision Pro headset, offering immersive VR experiences, prohibits use while driving, reinforcing Buttigieg’s warnings about distracted driving and the need for vigilance on the road.

February 6th news, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently issued a warning on social media, reminding drivers not to use virtual reality (VR) headsets while driving.

The reason was a viral video circulating online, showing a Tesla Cybertruck driver purportedly wearing Apple’s newly released Vision Pro headset, gesturing with both hands in the air, seemingly manipulating a virtual reality interface. In response, Buttigieg commented on Twitter: “All current driver-assist systems require drivers to remain focused and ready to take control of the vehicle.”

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Apple explicitly stated that users must not use Vision Pro while driving

Despite Tesla’s “Autopilot,” “Enhanced Autopilot,” and “Full Self-Driving” functionalities sounding advanced, Buttigieg emphasised that these vehicles are not fully autonomous. He reminded drivers that remaining vigilant and focused is the key to safe driving. Apple released the Vision Pro headset last week, which merges three-dimensional digital content with the real world to provide immersive VR experiences. However, Apple explicitly stated that users must not use Vision Pro while driving.

Previously, Buttigieg had issued similar warnings regarding Tesla’s Autopilot functionality. Tesla, on the other hand, stated that its advanced driving features are only suitable for drivers who “maintain attention, hold the steering wheel with both hands and are ready to take control of the vehicle” at all times.