Tesla Robotaxi Driver Falling Asleep Incident
The launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi service has been accompanied by numerous problems, and a recent case in California only confirms this. A driver, who was supposed to monitor the operation of the autonomous taxi, was filmed sleeping during the ride. This sparked a wave of discussions regarding the safety of such services.
Service Launch Problems
The deployment of Robotaxi began with a high-profile debut in Austin, Texas, in June, but forecasts for rapid service expansion proved overly optimistic. The launch was accompanied by technical and organizational difficulties, making the achievement of stated goals unlikely.
Video from Reddit and Reaction
A video published on Reddit shows a Robotaxi driver falling asleep at the wheel, with the monitoring system waking him with an audible signal. The user who posted the recording reported the incident through the Robotaxi app but received no response, which prompted them to turn to social networks.
The driver fell asleep at least three times during the trip.
Role of Safety Drivers
The incident is particularly concerning because without these drivers, Tesla could not operate in California. Unlike in Texas, where the program only requires a monitor in the passenger seat, in California the company does not have a permit for fully autonomous vehicles, making drivers mandatory.
Additional Testimonies
Another Reddit user reported riding with the same driver and noted that they were constantly dozing during an hour-long trip. This indicates a systemic problem related to fatigue or insufficient staff training.
Such cases highlight that even with the most advanced technologies, the human factor remains key. While autonomous systems can reduce the burden on drivers, their role in ensuring safety remains critical, especially during the implementation phase. This also points to the need for more thorough training and monitoring by companies developing such services.