Tesla Robotaxi Passenger Films Driver Asleep During Journey
A concerning incident involving a Tesla Robotaxi has surfaced, where a passenger captured footage of the designated safety driver appearing to be asleep during a ride. The anonymous passenger shared the video on Reddit, detailing that the alarming event transpired over a week ago while en route to the University of California, San Francisco's hospital.
The passenger alleged that the safety driver dozed off on at least three separate occasions during the journey. He stated that the driver only seemed to regain alertness when the vehicle's "pay attention" safety alert system activated and began to sound.
Initially, the passenger held off on publicizing the incident, hoping to allow Tesla an opportunity to address the matter privately. However, after more than a week without a response, he felt compelled to share his experience, highlighting the potential risks to other passengers. The user claimed to have reported the incident through the Tesla Robotaxi app, providing video evidence to the support team, but had yet to receive any communication from the company.
Navigating the Autonomous Landscape: Tesla vs. Waymo
The passenger revealed a preference for Waymo, the autonomous driving service formerly known as the Google self-driving car project, for his usual journeys. He explained that he chose Tesla for this particular trip due to the urgent need to reach his destination swiftly. He noted that while Waymo offers a reliable service, it currently does not operate on freeways, which resulted in a 20-minute longer travel time compared to Tesla's Robotaxi.
Despite this preference, the user indicated that he had previously used Tesla's Robotaxi service a few times without issue, even feeling safer than in traditional rideshare vehicles. However, this recent experience marked a significant departure from his prior positive encounters.
A Near Miss and a Call for Accountability
The Bay Area resident expressed deep concern about the potential for "major harm" to others and reflected on his own inaction, admitting he should have intervened more assertively when he noticed the driver's drowsiness. He explained that he was heading to an early morning hospital scan and was not in an optimal mental state to confront the situation.
"In hindsight, I should have woken them up, but I was more concerned about and focused on my scan," he wrote. Following the unsettling ride, the passenger opted to return home via a Waymo vehicle.
He emphasized the inherent contradiction in the situation: "The Tesla Robotaxi should be safer because there's a human in the seat with the sole job of 'safety'. In this case, though, it's a major fail."
Regulatory Landscape and Tesla's Expansion
Tesla commenced its Robotaxi rollout in the Bay Area in July. However, it's important to note that the company's permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) mandates the presence of a human driver in the seat for passenger pick-ups. Unlike Waymo, Tesla does not yet possess CPUC authorization to offer a fully autonomous passenger service to the public.
The company is also deploying Robotaxis with safety monitors in Austin, Texas, and is planning to expand to Arizona soon, though these services will also require a supervising driver, according to reports.
Tesla has publicly stated that its supervised self-driving technology has led to an 80 percent improvement in road safety in the US, with the potential to save thousands of lives annually. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates seven crashes involving Tesla vehicles in Austin in 2025, none of which resulted in hospitalizations.
Investigations into the safety and operational practices of Tesla's Robotaxi service are ongoing, with questions arising about potential risks, adherence to traffic laws, and the overall reliability of the company's driverless technology. The Daily Mail has sought comment from Tesla, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the anonymous Reddit user involved in the incident.
Broader Concerns Surrounding Autonomous Vehicle Technology
This incident adds to a growing discourse surrounding the safety and implementation of autonomous vehicle technology. Recent reports and investigations have delved into:
- Risky Adventures and Backlash: The potential dangers associated with Robotaxi services and the public's reaction to their deployment.
- Traffic Law Defiance: Concerns that Tesla's Robotaxis may be operating in violation of traffic regulations, prompting scrutiny from federal agencies.
- Federal Intervention: The reasons behind federal officials stepping in to assess Tesla's Robotaxi debut in Austin.
- Promise or Peril: A critical examination of whether Tesla's "self-driving" technology represents a genuine advancement or a potential hazard, with ongoing investigations focusing on the safety of its tech.
- Autopilot's Deadly Potential: Questions have been raised about Elon Musk's Autopilot technology, with some suggesting it could be a "deadly disaster waiting to happen."
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