San Diego Police Issue Safety Advisory Following Viral Virtual Reality Incident
In a peculiar turn of events that has caught the online world’s attention, the San Diego Police Department has recently felt the need to address public safety concerns related to emerging technology. This follows an incident captured in a widely circulated video, showcasing an individual navigating city streets while fully engrossed in the virtual reality (VR) experience provided by the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The incident, which unfolded in a bustling downtown area, featured a man traversing the pedestrian crossing with the highly talked-about headset securely fitted over his eyes. Seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, the man interacted with a virtual interface, selecting options and swiping through menus, all while a separate police activity was taking place nearby.
Reacting to the footage, the San Diego Police Department released a statement shedding light on the episode. They elucidated that while the episode may have seemed like a harmless glimpse into the potential future of pedestrian mobility and augmented reality experiences, it underscored a vital concern regarding pedestrian safety. “Exploration of new technological frontiers is something we all look forward to, but let’s not forget the fundamental importance of safety while navigating our city streets,” the statement emphasized.
The individual in question, identified as city dweller Vlad Kislov, later shared his perspective of the incident through a humor-oriented social media account. It revealed him simply changing a track on his VR device, oblivious to the attention his actions were garnering. The backdrop of Matthew Wilder’s “Break My Stride” added a fitting soundtrack to the unconventional scene he found himself in.
The San Diego Police humorously concluded their advisory with a call to keep virtual escapades to safe confines. “Let’s continue to embrace the future of technology with open arms, but also keep our eyes—and attention—fixed on the very real world around us. Crossing streets in the traditional, distraction-free manner remains paramount,” they advised.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset—priced at a hefty $3,500 and having sold 200,000 units—has become a polarizing topic. Advocates of the device celebrate it as a groundbreaking step forward in VR technology. However, its release has not been without criticism, as some users have reported discomfort, including headaches and motion sickness, attributed to its use.
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the challenges and considerations that emerge as technology continues to evolve and integrate more deeply into our daily lives. As we inch closer to a future where the lines between the virtual and real world blur, the importance of maintaining awareness of our physical surroundings cannot be overstated.
