In a series of viral videos circulating on social media, a disturbing trend has emerged, depicting drivers of Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode while wearing Apple Vision Pro headsets, seemingly oblivious to the road ahead. These videos have caught the attention of federal transportation officials, prompting warnings and concerns about the safety implications of such behavior.

However, questions arise as to whether these videos are genuine representations of reckless behavior or merely part of a never-ending cycle of individuals seeking attention and validation through online engagement. The Apple Vision Pro headsets, released on February 2, boast a feature that merges digital apps with one's surroundings, creating an immersive experience. Since their release, videos of people wearing these headsets in peculiar settings have begun to surface across the internet.

Upon closer examination, several of the videos taken inside cars appear staged, with clear indications that someone other than the driver is recording. While these videos may not be widespread, they have raised enough concern for Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, to address the issue on social media. In a post on X, Buttigieg emphasized that all advanced driver assistance systems, including Tesla's Autopilot, require the human driver to be fully engaged and in control at all times.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also weighed in on the matter, issuing a statement on Tuesday condemning the act of driving while wearing a virtual reality (V.R.) headset as reckless and endangering the safety of everyone on the road. The NHTSA's statement aligns with their previous investigation into Tesla's driver-assisted features, which found the means of ensuring driver attention to be inadequate.

The alarming video that prompted Buttigieg's response showcased a Tesla driver using the Apple Vision Pro headset while seemingly allowing the Cybertruck to drive itself. Despite the names of Tesla's assisted driving features, such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, it is important to note that these vehicles are not fully autonomous. Tesla's recall of over 2 million vehicles in December due to a defective system designed to ensure driver attention further emphasizes the need for responsible and engaged driving.

While both Apple and Tesla have yet to comment on the videos, Apple's user guide explicitly advises against using the Vision Pro headset while driving. The potential dangers of distracted driving, combined with the ongoing investigation into Tesla's driver-assisted features, highlight the need for increased awareness and responsibility on the part of drivers.

As the debate continues regarding the authenticity and implications of these videos, it serves as a reminder that technology should never replace human vigilance and responsibility behind the wheel. The safety of everyone on the road should always be the top priority, and disregarding this fundamental principle can have severe consequences.