Survey fears Apple Vision Pro users can be idiots behind the wheel

Most road users are wise to be concerned about using the Apple Vision Pro while piloting a self-driving vehicle, but a survey says one in five are open to the idea of endangering other road users.

The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro led to inevitable attempts by social media wannabes misusing the headset in public, including behind the wheel of a car. While wearing the headset is a bad idea when behind the wheel, even for a self-driving vehicle, it seems there's still a potential user base who wants to try it out in motion.

A survey of 1,000 Americans and 105 truck drivers by JW Surety Bonds found that almost 70% of those surveyed were unaware of people using the Apple Vision Pro while driving a self-driving car.

Truck drivers were almost as unaware of the use of Apple Vision Pro while in a self-driving vehicle, with nearly 60% saying as much. Indeed, close to 5% of truckers claim they had seen a self-driving vehicle driven by an Apple Vision Pro-wearing driver on the roads.

Approximately three in five drivers and truckers were "extremely concerned" about the safety implications of occupants of self-driving cars using the headset while in transit. People categorized as Baby Boomers were most-concerned, while Gen-Z were least worried.

Results to the surveyey asking how important clear legislation and guidelines are for Apple Vision Pro usage in self-driving cars [JW Surety Bonds]

One in five said they would be open to the idea of wearing the Apple Vision Pro while piloting a self-driving vehicle. Gen-X respondents were seemingly the most willing to try, with Gen-Z the least willing.

For truckers, the figure increases to one in four being willing to try it out.

Approximately 80% of the group said it was extremely important to have clear legislation and guidelines concerning Apple Vision Pro use in self-driving cars. Again, Baby Boomers were considered the most concerned on the topic.

For clarification, the U.S. Secretary for Transportation Pete Buttigieg has reminded drivers to be "fully engaged" while behind the wheel, so not to use the Apple Vision Pro while driving. Apple itself also warns never to use the headset while using a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in "other situations requiring attention to safety."