LEHI, Utah (ABC4) — A video that has gone viral across social media has racked up millions of views, appearing to catch someone in the driver’s seat of a Tesla Cybertruck while actively using the new Apple Vision Pro in Utah County.
The video, which was posted on Saturday, Feb. 3, has garnered over 17 million views as of Monday morning. The short clip shows what appears to be a person swiping at apps on their Apple Vision Pro – Apple’s new augmented reality headset – while driving down Timpanogos Highway in Lehi. For a brief moment in the clip, the driver’s hand touches the steering wheel before continuing to interact with the headset.
While many have been quick to call into question the authenticity of the video – saying autopilot and full self-driving capabilities aren’t available on the Cybertruck yet – the stunt has raised many concerns for road safety.
“If it were something that was real, it’s something that is concerning not just to law enforcement but to everyone who sees it just because bad things can happen,” said Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cameron Roden, who told ABC4 he couldn’t confirm the validity of the video. “I know that self-driving cars are a new technology that everyone is adjusting to, including law enforcement, and we are trying to make changes to stay with that but it doesn’t alleviate the driver’s responsibility to make sure that they are aware of what’s going on and be able to take action in case an emergency situation arises.”
Roden said if someone were driving while using an Apple Vision Pro or any similar devices, that person could be stopped for violating multiple laws. Similarly, both Apple and Tesla warn users to stay attentive behind the wheel.
A warning in Apple Vision Pro’s user guide advises users to “never use Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle” or in any other situation requiring attention for safety. While an owner’s manual for Tesla’s Cybertruck hasn’t been posted online yet, the Model 3’s owner manual states that the basic auto-pilot and full self-driving capability features are still “hands-on” and drivers should keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
“It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely, and be in control of the vehicle at all times,” reads the Tesla Model 3’s owner’s manual. “Always watch the road in front of you and be prepared to take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.”
According to The Hill, the creator of the video has since said he only drove the Tesla with the headset for about 30 seconds and claimed the video was a skit.
ABC4 reached out to both Apple and Tesla for comment regarding the viral video, though has yet to hear back by the time of publication.
In the meantime, Roden told ABC4 he doesn’t want anyone to put themselves and everyone else at risk whether for a stunt or not.
“There are a lot of different technologies that can do a lot of different things,” said Roden. “Just make sure that you’re always aware of what’s going on with your vehicle and outside of your vehicle and make sure that you’re able to take any kind of evasive maneuvers or stop if necessary so you can avoid harming yourself or harming others.”
