Shocking video footage has emerged showing an elderly man fast asleep at the wheel of his Tesla Model 3 as it barreled down a California freeway. The incident, which occurred on Highway 4 in the Bay Area city of Pittsburg on a Sunday afternoon, was captured by a bystander and sent to local news station KRON 4.
Passenger Also Asleep During Journey
In a concerning twist, the video also revealed an elderly female passenger who had nodded off in the front seat during the journey. The sedan appeared to be operating on either Tesla's Autopilot or 'Full Self-Driving' mode, both features available on the Model 3.
Understanding Tesla's Self-Driving Features
Tesla Autopilot is designed for highway use, providing lane centering and adaptive cruise control that adjusts with traffic flow. Full Self-Driving is a paid upgrade intended for city driving, which includes capabilities for turns, stopping at traffic lights, and navigation.
Crucially, Tesla guidelines explicitly state that both modes should only be used when the driver is fully attentive and ready to take control at any moment. The company emphasizes these are driver-assistance features, not fully autonomous systems.
A Growing Trend of Concern
Incidents of people sleeping while their Tesla vehicles are in motion have become increasingly common as self-driving technology becomes more widespread. This latest occurrence follows several similar cases that have raised safety alarms.
Recent Similar Incidents
On March 1, a female Tesla driver was observed sleeping behind the wheel while traveling on the 10 Freeway in Colton, near San Bernardino. Like the Pittsburg incident, a witness recorded the event and immediately contacted police, though California Highway Patrol officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
A viral video from late last year captured another individual sleeping in the driver's seat of a red Tesla while cruising down a freeway around 2pm on August 22. The footage, originally posted on Reddit, showed the driver with what appeared to be a neck pillow behind her head.
More Brazen Cases of Misuse
Some Tesla owners have taken even greater risks with the technology. In May 2021, Param Sharma was arrested in Oakland, California, for sitting in the backseat of his Tesla Model 3 while it drove itself on public roads.
California Highway Patrol became aware of Sharma's actions after someone posted video evidence online. The then-25-year-old showed no remorse for his behavior and claimed in an interview that he believed it was actually safer for him to be in the backseat.
Safety Implications and Public Concern
These repeated incidents highlight significant concerns about how some drivers are misusing Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems. While the technology continues to evolve, experts stress that human oversight remains essential for safe operation.
The Pittsburg case serves as another reminder that despite technological advancements, responsible driving practices cannot be replaced by automation. Authorities continue to monitor these situations closely as they balance innovation with public safety on California's roadways.
