Ride-hailing driver misuses assisted driving on highway while playing games
A Shunfengche ride-hailing driver in China reportedly activated assisted driving on a highway and did not touch the steering wheel for 400-500 kilometers while playing games and performing other activities, potentially endangering passengers. The driver reportedly used methods to circumvent the system's safety monitoring. The platform stated it would investigate and impose serious penalties if verified.
What happened
A Shunfengche (ride-hailing) driver in Shanqiu, Henan activated the vehicle's assisted driving function while on a highway and did not touch the steering wheel for approximately 400-500 kilometers.
While the vehicle operated under assisted driving, the driver played games, trimmed fingernails, and did not watch the road. When passengers' family members warned the driver, he stated he always drives this way on Shunfengche.
The driver reportedly used strategies to deceive the vehicle's assisted driving monitoring system, which is designed to require drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and monitor the road.
Reported impact
A passenger, Tan Xiansheng, who paid over 800 yuan for the ride, expressed concern about passenger safety during the 400-500 kilometer journey.
The passenger requested that the platform permanently suspend the driver's account, stating the driver showed disregard for passengers' lives.
Index analysis
Assisted driving functions are designed to enable limited autonomous operation on highways but do not constitute full autonomous driving. The systems require drivers to continuously monitor road conditions and keep hands on the steering wheel.
The driver reportedly circumvented the monitoring system that automatically disengages assisted driving when misuse is detected, indicating intentional evasion of safety mechanisms.
Governance controls
Shunfengche's customer service responded that the driver violated driving regulations and would face serious penalties once the incident was verified.
The platform stated it would suspend the driver's account following investigation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.