A Tesla owner admitting on camera that he drives drunk while relying on Full Self-Driving (FSD) is about as reckless as it gets. The clip, which aired on comedian Bert Kreischer’s show, shows social media personality Landon Bridges hinting that his Tesla can “take him home” even when he’s intoxicated. He called Autopilot a “game changer,” but the way he described the system suggests he meant FSD.
This isn’t just a bad look for Tesla owners. It’s a reminder that many people still don’t understand how advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) actually work.
FSD is not autonomous driving. Tesla itself admits in court that the driver is always responsible and must stay alert. At best, FSD is a Level 2 system, meaning it can handle steering, braking, and acceleration, but the human behind the wheel has to supervise every second. Sober. Hands on the wheel. Eyes on the road.
As one safety analyst recently put it:
“The most dangerous thing FSD can do is work most of the time. It lulls drivers into thinking it’s self-driving when it’s not.”
The confusion isn’t helped by Tesla’s own messaging. The company has tweeted on July 3rd that “FSD Supervised gives you back time & energy,” which makes it sound like drivers can sit back and relax. The reality, spelled out in the owner’s manual, is the opposite. The driver must remain fully engaged, ready to intervene instantly.
Stories like Bridges’ expose the gap between perception and reality. In 2022, a Tesla employee reportedly tried using FSD after drinking and didn’t survive the trip. These incidents aren’t about software bugs. They’re about people misunderstanding, or willfully ignoring the rules.
What’s really needed here is better education. Tesla can tighten its communication, yes, but owners themselves need to be proactive. Knowing the limits of your vehicle isn’t optional. It’s part of being a responsible driver. Misusing FSD doesn’t just risk your life, it puts everyone on the road in danger.
EVs and driver-assist systems are incredible tools when used properly. But they don’t replace good judgment, and they never excuse drunk driving.
If you’re a Tesla owner, take the time to fully understand how your system works and where it stops working. Education is the difference between enjoying the benefits of cutting-edge tech and becoming the next headline.
Source: Electrek