US Transportation Secretary says self-driving cars still need human 'mastery'

The video has now been viewed more than 25 million times on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to Secretary Buttigieg, Tesla's driver assistance features - including Autopilot, Advanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving - do not mean the vehicles are fully autonomous, despite their names.

“Reminder – All current advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to remain fully in control and engaged in the driving task at all times,” Buttigieg wrote on X, reposting the viral video.

In the video, the driver appears to be using the Vision Pro virtual reality (VR) headset that Apple officially launched last week. The device incorporates holographic digital content and can help users see the outside world . Apple says users should never use the device while operating a moving vehicle.

Apple CEO Tim Cook once said that Vision Pro would "change the way we communicate, collaborate, work, and enjoy entertainment." However, the company never intended Vision Pro to be a product that would change the way people travel.

Tesla and Apple did not immediately comment on the video or Buttigieg's statement.

Mr. Buttigieg has made similar comments in the past about the use of Tesla’s Autopilot mode. Tesla says its advanced driving features are designed to be used with a fully engaged driver, “who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take control at any time.”