How free could a Tesla driver be? It could be out of your imagination! As interest in autonomous driving technology grows across EV Ontario, EV Toronto, and the wider Tesla Canada community, a recent incident in California has sparked discussion about the safety of early robotaxi deployments. Multiple Tesla Robotaxi riders reported that a “safety driver” was asleep behind the wheel during active trips, raising questions about oversight and operational standards.
For buyers comparing the future of self-driving technology with today’s ownership experience of a Used Tesla, Used EV, or Used Electric Vehicle, this incident highlights why safety drivers still play a critical role—even in vehicles capable of advanced autonomous operation.
Passenger Reports Safety Driver Falling Asleep Multiple Times
According to a rider in San Francisco, the safety driver in their Tesla Robotaxi allegedly nodded off at least three times during a single ride. Video footage shows the driver’s head dropping forward until the car issued an audible “driver attention” alert, waking the individual up.
The rider said they submitted the footage through the robotaxi app but received no response after more than a week, which led them to post the experience publicly.
Another Reddit user later confirmed that they, too, experienced the same driver falling asleep during a long, slow-moving commute. The story quickly gained traction within the Tesla community—including owners of Used Teslas, Used Tesla Model 3, and Used Tesla Model Y—many of whom follow developments closely as Tesla continues expanding its autonomy-focused fleet.
Community Reaction: A Safety Driver Isn’t Optional
Some commenters pointed out that while Tesla markets the experience as a “robotaxi,” California law requires a licensed safety driver to remain alert at all times. As one user wrote:
“The safety driver is the legal driver. Falling asleep puts everyone at risk.”
Many suggested filing a report with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), while others recommended passengers exit the vehicle safely and contact authorities if a safety driver appears incapacitated.
For Canadian EV shoppers, including those browsing Used Tesla or Used Electric Vehicle options in Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville, this discussion reinforces the gap between today’s supervised autonomy and Tesla’s long-term vision for driverless mobility.
Tesla Expanding Robotaxi Trials—With Challenges Ahead
Tesla has been scaling its robotaxi operations across San Francisco, Austin, and other pilot markets. However, despite the “robotaxi” branding, regulations in California still require human supervision—something that may surprise new riders expecting fully autonomous service.
The incident comes at a time when many drivers in EV Ontario and EV Toronto are evaluating the rapid progress of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system. Even as features continue to improve, the robotaxi program remains early-stage.
As of now, Tesla has not issued a public comment about the specific driver in the viral video.
Why This Matters for Used Tesla Shoppers
For Canadians considering a Used Tesla, Used Tesla Model 3, Used Tesla Model Y, or any Used Electric Vehicle, the incident offers perspective:
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Tesla’s vehicles are technologically advanced, but supervised autonomy still requires human attention.
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Buying a Used EV remains a practical way to enter the EV space while enjoying most of Tesla’s current software capabilities.
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OTA updates continue improving safety systems, including driver monitoring and attention alerts.
Carnex provides one of Ontario’s most curated selections of Used Teslas and Used EVs, with detailed inspections and battery health evaluations—giving Toronto and Ontario buyers confidence in their EV purchase as the industry evolves.
How to Buy a Used Tesla
Looking to buy or sell a used Tesla in Canada? At Carnex, we provide transparent vehicle history reports, professional inspections, and competitive valuations to help you shop with confidence.
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article source: Drivetesla Canada
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