In a world where cars can drive themselves, what happens if you decide to snooze behind the wheel? A Tesla enthusiast hops into a new Cybercab, Tesla’s latest autonomous ride. With no steering wheel or brake pedals, the front seats offer a tempting recline, but safety guidelines remain strict. Tesla suggests keeping seat backs upright, with belts tight and feet flat, to reduce injury risk in a collision. Even with seatbelts, injuries can occur if the body isn’t in the standard upright position.

Government bodies, like the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are re-examining old safety standards, recognising that autonomous vehicles might prompt passengers to adopt alternative seating postures. For instance, Zoox’s bidirectional vehicle features carriage seating, challenging traditional safety norms.

While companies like Zoox apply for special government approval, the process can be lengthy. For now, they must navigate complex regulations to ensure safety without compromising comfort. Governments aim to refine crash-test dummies and standards to better suit the future of autonomous vehicles. But how far can we go before the car just becomes a bed on wheels?