Tesla driver falls asleep on Autopilot, police investigates in Israel
A video showed a Tesla driver apparently sleeping while Autopilot continued driving in Israel. Police detained and questioned the 36-year-old driver on suspicion of reckless driving and released him after questioning, using the incident to clarify that Autopilot is not autonomous driving and does not permit drivers to fall asleep.
What happened
A video distributed on social media showed a 36-year-old driver from Migdal HaEmek apparently asleep at the wheel of a Tesla, with eyes closed and head drooping, while the vehicle continued driving.
The driver was detained and questioned on suspicion of reckless driving and failing to hold the steering wheel with both hands, then released after questioning.
Reported impact
The incident sparked debate on social media and public discussion about the boundaries between advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities in Tesla vehicles.
Index analysis
Israeli police clarified that advanced assistance systems do not constitute autonomous driving and do not permit drivers to fall asleep or remove responsibility from driving.
Police emphasized that Israeli law requires drivers to grip the steering wheel with both hands, maintain control of the vehicle, and remain alert at all times, even in vehicles equipped with advanced assistance technologies.
Governance controls
Police stated that the assistance systems are not autonomous driving and do not allow drivers to fall asleep or remove their responsibility for driving.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.