In the age of technological marvels, the line between innovation and safety can sometimes become blurred. The latest gadget to stir up controversy is the Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computing headset that has caught the attention of U.S. transportation officials and California police for all the wrong reasons. Owners of the Vision Pro have been sternly warned by the U.S. Department of Transportation not to use the headset while driving, a message echoed by U.S. Secretary for Transport Pete Buttigieg on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The warning is clear: all vehicles, even those with semi-autonomous driving modes, require the driver’s full engagement at all times.
The urgency of this warning was underscored by viral videos of drivers wearing the Vision Pro while behind the wheel. One such video reposted by Buttigieg shows a man getting pulled over by the police while wearing the headset in a Tesla. Although the driver later confessed to Gizmodo that the video was a staged ‘skit,’ he shockingly admitted to driving with the headset for ’30-40 seconds.’ The Vision Pro, while featuring passthrough video, overlays virtual content onto the physical space, creating a significant distraction for drivers.
Apple’s own support documentation for the Vision Pro cautions users against operating vehicles or heavy machinery while using the device. The company advises that the Vision Pro should only be used outside in ‘controlled environments.’ Despite these warnings, there have been several instances of people using the headset in potentially dangerous situations, such as skateboarding on busy streets and navigating through airport terminals.
In most parts of the United States, it is illegal to wear a headset like the Vision Pro while driving. This is because driving laws are designed to prevent distractions, such as texting, that could lead to accidents. The recent incident involving Dante Lentini, a 21-year-old Tesla owner, has brought this issue to the forefront. Lentini was shown in a video tapping and gesturing with the Vision Pro while driving, and although he claimed to have been arrested, he later revealed that the police encounter was part of the ‘skit.’
Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, are impressive feats of technology, but they do not render the vehicle autonomous. Tesla insists that drivers must keep their hands on the wheel and maintain control of their vehicle at all times. The Vision Pro’s Travel Mode is intended for passengers, not drivers, and even has a speed limit that disables virtual reality content to prevent misuse while in motion.
The risks of using the Vision Pro while driving are numerous. It can limit the driver’s field of view, impact depth perception, and even amplify sunlight, potentially causing vision impairment. The headset’s weight, approximately 1.4 pounds, could also exacerbate injuries in the event of a crash. Apple and Tesla have both issued clear guidelines against using the Vision Pro while operating any machinery, yet some individuals continue to ignore these warnings.
While the Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward in virtual reality technology, it is not designed for use while driving. The potential for distraction and the inherent risks it poses make it clear that the Vision Pro should be enjoyed responsibly and safely, away from the driver’s seat. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that users heed the advice of manufacturers and officials to ensure that innovation does not compromise safety.
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