Tesla driver caught using Autopilot to snooze behind the wheel

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 26 (UPI) -- Tesla Motors responded to a viral video of a man using the Autopilot feature to snooze in heavy highway traffic by cautioning drivers to stay alert.

The footage, posted to Reddit this week in the form of an animated GIF, shows the Tesla Model S driver sleeping behind the wheel while the electric car's Autopilot creeping forward and stopping in heavy traffic on an unidentified stretch of highway.

Tesla describes its Autopilot feature as "semi-autonomous," meaning it can perform the functions but needs to be supervised by the human driver at all time.

The company responded to the footage in a statement issued to Tech Insider:

"Tesla Autopilot is designed to provide a hands-on experience to give drivers more confidence behind the wheel, increase their safety on the road, and make highway driving more enjoyable. Autopilot is by far the most advanced such system on the road, but it does not turn a Tesla into an autonomous vehicle and does not allow the driver to abdicate responsibility. Since the release of Autopilot, we've continuously educated customers on the use of the feature, reminding them that they're responsible for remaining alert and present when using Autopilot and must be prepared to take control at all times."

Tesla owners have previously complained of errors made by the Autopilot, including swerving into traffic and exiting the highway too early.