Investigation Launched After Tesla Driver Allegedly Falls Asleep at the Wheel

A viral video from Canada has sparked significant concern, showing a Tesla driver seemingly asleep on the Trans-Canada Highway. The footage captures the driver slumped over, with her gaze directed sideways, prompting authorities to investigate the incident, as reported by Canadian news outlet CBC.

Incident on a Busy Highway

The event reportedly took place on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia, where the vehicle was traveling at approximately 100 km/h. Witness Carleigh King, who was also on the highway, recorded the incident. She noted that there were two sleeping children in the back seat, although this detail has yet to be confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). King stated she alerted the police after the incident, and they indicated they would attempt to identify the driver using the vehicle's license plate.

Legal Restrictions in British Columbia

While Tesla's driver-assistance system is available in Canada, it is prohibited in British Columbia under local motor vehicle regulations. The Society of Automotive Engineers outlines six levels of vehicle automation, ranging from fully manual to fully autonomous. Following a legislative change in April 2024, Level 3 automated vehicles—where no driver is required to be actively engaged—are banned in the province. This means that driver assistance systems are only allowed to provide support, with full control remaining with the driver.

Circumventing Safety Features?

Tesla promotes its driving monitoring system as a safety feature. When the automation function is activated, a pop-up message reminds drivers to stay alert. A camera located above the rearview mirror tracks the driver’s eyes and prompts them to steer if they look away for too long. However, Electrek suggests that the driver may have found a way to bypass this system, possibly by wearing polarized sunglasses or using aftermarket devices that suppress alerts. According to Tesla's manual, the camera-based monitoring system "does not activate" if the camera is obstructed. Poor lighting conditions or covering the eyes can also hinder its functionality.

"This driver is wearing sunglasses, which definitely plays a role," said Fred Lambert, editor-in-chief of Electrek, in an interview with CBC. "I also see that she has some kind of accessory on the steering wheel, like a steering wheel cover. I don’t know if that contributes to bypassing the monitoring system, but it could be a factor." Additionally, Electrek criticized a Tesla update that detects driver fatigue and suggests activating the assistance system, potentially encouraging more automation when drivers are least able to monitor it effectively.

Potential Legal Consequences

The driver featured in the video may face various legal repercussions. "This could range from a simple fine to criminal charges for dangerous driving," explained Kyla Lee, a lawyer at Acumen Law, to CBC. "There could also be criminal charges for negligence if children were in the vehicle and were endangered due to the driver's lack of supervision while driving on the highway."