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THE ROAD — A video of a napping driver behind the wheel of the super advanced Tesla Model S has the internet a bit concerned.
The clip was originally uploaded to the media sharing site Imgur Monday and has people asking some questions about the alleged abuse of the Tesla’s advanced Autopilot system. Filmed out of the passenger side window of a fellow commuter, it shows a man in his blue Tesla seemingly snoozing while moving through stop-and-go traffic.
I mean, it’s possible the driver keeps his eyes on the road when his head is tilted back and to the side, but probably not.
The Tesla’s Model S 7.0 software features Autosteer (Beta), according to a Tesla press kit. Autosteer keeps the vehicle in its lane while maintaining speed, meant to “(assist) the driver on the road, making the driving experience easier.”
“Tesla requires drivers to remain engaged and aware when Autosteer is enabled,” the release said. “Drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel.”
Translation: Autopilot is not designed to allow the driver to pass out at the wheel, as it were.
Tesla does have a system in place that will detect if the driver isn’t engaged and will make a sound, decelerate and eventually move the car to the side of the road.