Tesla’s driver assistance systems have largely caused an exciting amount of internet clamor, though some are taking the semi-autonomous systems way too seriously. In the summer, we reported on a Canadian man who was caught napping behind the wheel of his Tesla, and now we have an update on his charges.
British Columbia resident, Leran Cai, 20, is being charged with dangerous driving after being caught in the province of Alberta sleeping inside his Tesla while driving with the Autopilot driver-assistance system activated, as reported by Global News.
Records show Cai had his first court appearance in Ponoka Provincial Court on December 11.
While Autopilot is meant to be a semi-autonomous system for drivers, it does still require the driver to be alert and ready to grab the wheel in its current state.
In addition to the court’s criminal charge, Cai also faced a 24-hour license suspension after the initial July 9th incident. Those who witnessed the incident claim that both Cai and his passenger were sleeping with their seats completely reclined, while traveling about 150 km/h (93 mph) on a freeway between Calgary and Edmonton.
BC Driver Charged with dangerous driving for sleeping in speeding Tesla
— Fred Stone (@Canada_Car_Guy) December 26, 2020
On Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta systems, Supt. Gary Graham of Alberta RCMP said, “They are not self-driving systems.” Graham continued, “They still come with the responsibility of driving.”
While it is included in the name, even Tesla’s FSD is a driver-assistance system, meaning that both it and Autopilot are meant to be engaged while the driver keeps one hand on the wheel, remaining alert to the traffic around them in case any corrections are needed.
Whatever the future of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD systems spell out for the public, it’s safe to say that we’re not ready for sleeping drivers just yet–even with some of the impressive FSD beta videos we’ve seen.
Note to self, never sleep in your Tesla with Autopilot on. It’s not worth your life and those around you.
