A nurse’s night shift left her relying on a Tesla to get home, and the internet responded with a wave of opinions. Vanessa Lim (TikTok handle @vanessalim) shared a video that appears to show her sleeping in the driver's seat while the car is on a highway, with a text overlay saying, “thank god for my self-driving Tesla cause how tf was I gunna drive home after that nightshift.” The frame shows buildings and other vehicles passing by through the window as Lim sits slouched, not actively gripping the wheel.
Is she really sleeping at the wheel?
When you look closely, Lim’s right arm seems extended and her left arm is wrapped around her neck. It might look like her eyes are shut, but a closer look reveals her eyelids blinking at times, which a commenter highlighted by asking, “Do people not see you blinking?” The video drew a flurry of criticism.
Many viewers warned that this set a dangerous precedent with potentially fatal outcomes. One commenter wrote, “Yeah lets not play with peoples lives.” Another advised caution about relying on self-driving tech, noting the legality and safety concerns: “Babe no this is illegal and dangerous. These self-driving cars are not to be fully trusted. Protect yourself.” Lim responded by asking why driving a Tesla on Full Self-Driving (FSD) would be illegal.
Some commenters even assumed Lim was genuinely asleep in the driver’s seat, only to be corrected by Lim herself: “Dude my eyes are open in this video.”
A broader look at the online chatter
Our team tracks what’s trending online—from viral videos to debates that spark discussion.
Can you sleep with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged?
InsideEVs and other outlets have noted that FSD and similar systems require the driver to be ready to take control at any moment. Several reports warn against handing over full responsibility to the car for long drives. There are ongoing conversations about whether FSD will disengage or prompt a driver to take control if the system detects drowsiness. Forums and videos have showcased mixed outcomes, with some trims of the software reportedly improving, while others still triggering concerns about safety.
There’s also debate about recent updates. Critics point to a May 2025 FSD update that some say reduced in-cabin eye-tracking, a feature meant to verify the driver’s attention. Conversely, some Tesla owners complain about excessive alerts, even when they’re focused on the road.
What the company says versus what drivers experience
Tesla continues to emphasize that drivers must stay attentive when FSD is engaged. Yet public comments from Elon Musk have hinted at a future where drivers might text and drive, a notion that has sparked debate about the practical safety implications. Some reports describe prompts for drivers to switch to FSD when fatigue is detected, raising questions about how aggressively the software should intervene.
The conversation continues
InsideEVs reached out to Lim and Tesla for comment, but this piece isn’t about one video alone—it’s about how we balance innovation with safety and the realities of human limits behind the wheel.
What do you think is the right approach to using FSD today? Should automakers press more aggressive safeguards, or should drivers assume more responsibility? Share your view in the comments.
