The B.C. Highway Patrol (BCHP) has raised concerns about the dangers of drivers falling asleep while operating self-driving Teslas on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Lower Mainland. Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of the BCHP emphasized that it is illegal in B.C. for drivers to be asleep behind the wheel of self-driving vehicles, and law enforcement is committed to upholding road safety.
On August 27, an officer noticed a sleeping driver in a dark Tesla speeding along the Trans-Canada Highway in Langley. The officer had to prioritize addressing the Tesla driver’s behavior over another call after observing that the driver had closed eyes and was not holding the steering wheel.
The sleeping driver was fined $368 for driving without due care and attention and an additional $81 for failing to present a driver’s license. Similarly, another Tesla driver received a $368 fine for sleeping behind the wheel on the Trans-Canada Highway in North Vancouver on August 11.
Videos of these incidents were shared with police, leading to the identification of the Maple Ridge resident who was the registered owner of the Tesla in the second case. In a separate viral video incident in July near Revelstoke, a Tesla driver appeared to be sleeping while driving on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Fred Lambert from Electrek.co highlighted concerns about Tesla’s driver monitoring system being bypassed, leading to driver complacency as self-driving technology advances. He emphasized the dangers of engaging in activities like playing video games or watching movies while utilizing these advanced driver-assist systems.
Under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act, highly automated self-driving vehicles are not permitted on public roads, though certain automated features like lane change assist and automatic braking are allowed. The Ministry of Transportation is actively monitoring this new technology, emphasizing the need for further testing and policy development.
The BCHP continues to remind drivers of the serious risks associated with being asleep at the wheel and the legal consequences that may follow.