A video showing a dog sitting in the driver’s seat while a car used its automatic parking feature has sparked public attention and led to police action in Shanghai. Authorities have fined the driver for unsafe conduct behind the wheel.
What Happened?
On July 4, a 38-year-old woman named Shi parked her car on Yuying Road. To attract attention, she placed her husky dog alone in the driver’s seat and activated the car’s automatic parking function remotely from outside the vehicle. This caused a crowd to gather and the incident was widely shared online.
Police Response
The Xuhui branch of Shanghai Public Security Bureau confirmed they have handled the case. Shi was fined 200 yuan (around €27) and received 3 penalty points on her driving record for obstructing safe driving.
Safety Reminder on Assisted Driving Systems
Traffic police emphasize that automatic parking and similar features are Level 2 driver assistance systems. Drivers must always:
- Understand their vehicle’s system limits and conditions
- Maintain control and supervision while the system is active
- Stay seated at the driver’s position during operation
- Not let animals or unauthorized persons occupy the driver’s seat while the car is moving
Why It Matters
This case highlights the importance of using driver assistance features responsibly. Such systems are aids—not substitutes—for driver control. Misusing them can create safety risks and legal penalties, as shown in this incident.
Source: ithome.com