A family was caught sleeping as their vehicle drove along a busy highway, raising alarm as it highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on self-driving systems.
It sounds like a scene from a futuristic movie, but it really happened: a viral video shows an entire family sleeping in a self-driving vehicle in China.
The scariest detail is that even the driver was completely asleep, blindly trusting a system driving autonomous.
Blind trust in technology
In the images shared on social media, it is possible to clearly see all the occupants of the vehicle sleeping, including a child in the back seat. Despite the surreal scene, the vehicle continued along the road normally thanks to the autopilot.
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Autonomous vehicles have advanced systems capable of maintaining speed, changing lanes and avoiding collisions.
However, manufacturers insist on warning that these systems are only auxiliary and do not require drivers' full attention. Unfortunately, incidents like this indicate that many users ignore such warnings, risking serious accidents.
Video generates concern and humor on social media
The video spread quickly, generating very varied reactions. While some people expressed concern about the irresponsibility of the passengers, others preferred to joke about the situation. Comments suggested a “snooze mode” or comparisons with movie scenes flooded the networks.
Jokes aside, the episode sparked serious discussions about the limits of technology and the dangers of overconfidence in vehicles still in the testing phase.
Urgent need for regulation
The incident has reignited debate over the need for stricter regulation of autonomous vehicles.
Experts say the lack of clear and uniform rules increases the risk of serious accidents. Currently, each country decides how to regulate this type of technology, creating a confusing scenario for consumers.
Experts advocate more effective awareness campaigns, warning about the real risks of driving – or sleeping – in a vehicle that, despite being advanced, cannot guarantee 100% safety.
The question remains: how far are we willing to go for comfort and convenience? Sleeping in an autonomous vehicle may seem futuristic, but it can quickly become a real nightmare.