People using Apple’s Vision Pro while driving has left US states scrambling to amend driving laws

Apple’s recently launched Vision Pro headset, priced at a steep $3,500, has stirred controversy as users engage in risky activities, including wearing the headset while driving, at the gym, and even courtside at NBA games.

Viral videos depict individuals in moving Teslas with the headset on, drawing criticism from government officials and safety advocates.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of drivers remaining fully engaged and attentive after videos surfaced of Tesla drivers using the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Reminder—ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times. pic.twitter.com/OpPy36mOgC

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 5, 2024

Buttigieg posted, “Reminder—ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times.”

Despite warnings in the Apple Vision Pro user guide against using the headset while operating a moving vehicle or in situations requiring attention to safety, users have been seen flouting these guidelines.

Distracted driving in the US is on the rise, with 3,522 reported deaths in 2021, accounting for 8-9% of car-related fatalities, linked to activities such as texting, eating, and in-car entertainment distractions.

Concerns about distracted driving extend to vehicles with self-driving features, as evidenced by Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles in December due to issues with self-driving features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes a perception that partially automated vehicles are equivalent to fully self-driving cars, leading drivers to divert their attention from the road.

Notably, one of the people who put up a video showing himself wearing the Apple Vision Pro while driving a partially automated Tesla and seemingly being pulled over by police sparked controversy. Lentini claimed his device was on transparency mode, allowing him to view the road through the headset’s cameras.

Legal complexities regarding distracting technologies in cars further complicate the issue. Inconsistencies in laws across states, such as bans on handheld devices and texting, contribute to challenges in enforcing distracted driving regulations.

Additionally, the introduction of face-mounted technology raises questions about how distracted-driving laws should be adapted.

The fate of Apple Vision Pro in terms of regulatory hurdles remains uncertain, echoing past debates surrounding Google Glass.

Until clear guidelines are established, users may continue to flaunt safety recommendations, fueling online stunts and raising concerns about the responsible use of immersive technologies on the road.

(With inputs from agencies)

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