Tesla Passenger Reports Driver Nodding Off

New Delhi, November 19, 2025: A highly disturbing account regarding a ride in a Tesla robotaxi was recently shared by a passenger in San Francisco. The rider claimed that the safety driver overseeing the autonomous vehicle’s operation was seen repeatedly nodding off during the journey. This claim was documented in a video that quickly achieved viral status.

In-Transit Safety Concerns Raised

The passenger, whose identity has been protected, stated that the ride was severely compromised by the lack of vigilance displayed by the human operator. Although the vehicle was primarily being controlled by Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, the presence of a human driver is required to intervene in case of system failures or unexpected road conditions. The fact that the essential human safeguard was apparently asleep has raised serious in-transit safety concerns among the public and industry experts.

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Video Evidence Circulated

The footage captured by the passenger was widely circulated across social media platforms. In the video, the driver’s head is allegedly shown dropping multiple times, suggesting that the operator was struggling to stay awake. The clip was used as compelling evidence to support the passenger’s claims. An immediate and thorough investigation into the incident was demanded by many viewers, and the company’s commitment to safety protocols was heavily scrutinized.

Regulatory Scrutiny Expected

The incident is expected to draw increased scrutiny from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing autonomous vehicle testing and deployment. The licensing of robotaxi services is often tied to strict operational safety requirements. The potential for the service to be temporarily suspended or for new, stricter rules regarding human monitoring to be imposed is being discussed by experts. The responsibility of the robotaxi provider to ensure that its safety drivers are properly trained and are adequately rested was strongly emphasized.

Broader Autonomous Vehicle Debate Fueled

This viral video has injected new intensity into the ongoing public debate about the safety and readiness of autonomous driving technology. Concerns that the public is being used as unwilling participants in beta testing were voiced by critics. The argument that over-reliance on FSD technology can lead to human complacency was reinforced by the footage. The incident is being used by technology skeptics to argue that autonomous vehicles should not be deployed on public roads until absolute redundancy and safety are guaranteed.