Video Shows Motorist Apparently Asleep Behind The Wheel While Driving On 5 Freeway
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A couple driving on the 5 Freeway in captured video of a passing motorist appearing to be asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla.
Clint Olivier was driving, his wife Alisha Olivier was the passenger. They were driving south on the busy freeway -- near the Magic Mountain Parkway exit -- when they saw the jarring sight and decided to record a video.
Olivier posted the video to Twitter saying, "@RalphNader Ralph can you do anything about stopping this disturbing phenomenon? My wife and I shot this video last week on the busy I-5 in LA. @Tesla #sleepingdrivers #unsafeatanyspeed"
Olivier told CBS2/KCAL9's Greg Mills that he and his wife could not believe what they were seeing. Especially since he estimates the driver had to be doing about 75 mph.
"I haven't checked the DMV manual," he says, "but I'm guessing it's illegal to sleep while driving a car. And I am guessing Tesla does not recommend you sleep while driving your car."
The driver comes to and grabs the wheel.
"It's one of those things that even when it's happening," Olivier says," you can't believe what's happening."
This was not the first time a driver behind the wheel of a Tesla has been captured on video appearing to be catching some zzzz's.
In March, startling cellphone video showed what appeared to be a man snoozing while his car is on autopilot on another busy L.A. freeway.
According to Tesla's website, "Autopilot is intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time."
Tesla says the autopilot function is intended to increase safety on the roads.
The Oliviers told Mills the Tesla's auto pilot feature worked. The car didn't weave and stayed in its lane.