A driver in China allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel while relying on his car’s assisted driving system on an expressway during the National Day holiday.
Footage of the incident, which was later shared by Chinese media, showed the driver appearing to be asleep in a moving vehicle.
The incident reportedly happened between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday (1 Oct) along an expressway between Quzhou in Zhejiang province and Shangrao in Jiangxi province.
A witness, identified as Mr Yang (name transliterated from Mandarin), said he drove alongside the vehicle for about three minutes after noticing the motorist slumped in the driver’s seat.
He repeatedly sounded his horn in an attempt to wake the driver, but allegedly received no response.
Source: Red Star News on Weibo
According to Mr Yang, traffic later slowed due to congestion, prompting the vehicle’s assisted driving system to apply the brakes, which appeared to wake the motorist.
“I posted the video to remind everyone that driving like this is very dangerous,” he told reporters.
China’s Ministry of Public Security had previously stressed that “intelligent driving” systems currently available in vehicles sold in the country do not amount to fully autonomous driving.
Drivers remain responsible for ensuring road safety even when they activate such systems.
Source: Red Star News on Weibo
Drivers must stay alert, monitor traffic conditions, and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.
Authorities also reminded motorists travelling during the holiday period to stop at a service area if they feel tired, especially when driving at high speeds on expressways.
Chen Xiaohu (name transliterated from Mandarin), a lawyer from Beijing Dongwei (Chengdu) Law Firm, said the driver’s alleged actions endangered both himself and other road users while violating traffic safety regulations.
Meanwhile, Du Yong (name transliterated from Mandarin), a lawyer from Chengdu Guocan Law Firm, said falling asleep while using an assisted driving system would constitute a violation of China’s Road Traffic Safety Law.
If no accident occurs, the driver could face administrative penalties such as a fine or demerit points, according to Mr Du.
However, if such behaviour results in a serious traffic accident causing severe injuries or death, the driver could potentially face criminal liability for a traffic-related offence.
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Featured image courtesy of Red Star News on Weibo.