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Video Shows Tesla Robotaxi Safety Driver Asleep During San Francisco Ride

The episode spotlights mounting concerns over Tesla's driver monitoring in a program already under regulatory scrutiny.

Overview

  • A passenger-recorded video shows the car's attention alert sounding repeatedly to wake the safety driver during the ride.
  • Multiple Reddit users claimed the same safety driver had dozed off on prior trips, suggesting a recurring issue.
  • The rider says he reported the incident through the app to Robotaxi support but received no response.
  • Tesla operates Robotaxi trials in Austin and the Bay Area using different safety-driver positions due to differing state rules.
  • In California, Tesla has a DMV testing permit but no required CPUC permits, while the Austin trial has logged at least seven crashes and Tesla redacts data sent to NHTSA.