Tesla Robotaxi safety driver found asleep at the wheel during multiple rides

Troubling Developments in Tesla's Robotaxi Program

In a disconcerting turn of events, Tesla's ambitious Robotaxi initiative, currently undergoing testing in key US cities like San Francisco and Austin, appears to be facing significant operational hurdles. Recent reports highlight a startling incident where a safety driver, tasked with overseeing the autonomous vehicle's performance, was observed dozing off behind the wheel during an active ride. This lapse in vigilance raises serious questions about the current safety protocols and driver training within Tesla's autonomous driving program.

Passenger Captures Alarming Footage

The incident came to light when a Reddit user, posting under the handle ohmichael, shared a video capturing the driver in a state of sleep while the Robotaxi was in motion. According to the user's account, this was not an isolated occurrence; the driver reportedly fell asleep three times during a single journey. Attempts to alert Tesla to this critical safety concern were met with silence, leaving passengers and observers deeply unsettled.

A Pattern of Concern?

Further corroboration of this alarming trend emerged from another passenger who recognized the driver in question. This individual recounted a similar experience, stating that the same driver had fallen asleep while navigating traffic en route from Temescal to San Francisco. This suggests a potential systemic issue rather than a one-off incident, prompting a deeper examination of Tesla's recruitment and oversight of its safety driver personnel.

Contrast with Industry Standards

The perceived lack of rigor in Tesla's approach stands in stark contrast to the stringent requirements set by competitors like Waymo. Companies pioneering autonomous technology often implement extensive training and vetting processes for their safety drivers, recognizing the immense responsibility they hold. The situation with Tesla, as described, hints at a potentially less thorough preparation phase, which could have grave implications for public safety.

Regulatory Clouds and Safety Incidents

Adding to the complexity, Tesla's autonomous vehicle testing is shrouded in regulatory ambiguity. While the company holds a permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for testing autonomous vehicles with safety drivers, it notably lacks the necessary permits from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for any form of robotaxi service. In March, Tesla secured only a separate permit for a traditional taxi service operated by human drivers. The Austin experiment, launched in July, has already been marred by at least seven reported traffic accidents, with Tesla accused of withholding critical data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This lack of transparency fuels public apprehension.

Tesla's Silence Amidst Controversy

As this story unfolds, Tesla has remained conspicuously silent, offering no immediate response to journalistic inquiries regarding the driver incident or the ongoing regulatory challenges in California. The company's reticence in the face of such serious safety concerns and regulatory questions only amplifies the growing unease surrounding its autonomous driving ambitions.