Woman Faces Backlash for Releasing Steering Wheel While Driving, Applying Makeup, Dancing, and Eating Snacks While Claiming Autopilot is More Reliable Than Humans

A Chinese woman has become a hot topic online after posting a video of herself driving an SUV through a tunnel with both hands completely off the steering wheel, while applying makeup, dancing to music, and eating snacks while using the vehicle's 'advanced driving assistance system.' The woman, identified as Lin from Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province in eastern China, regularly posts videos showcasing the vehicle's driving assistance system, attracting a substantial following. In the viral clip that was widely shared, Lin drives an 'iAuto' brand SUV worth approximately 500,000 yuan or about 2.3 million baht, a premium intelligent vehicle backed by Chinese tech giant Huawei. Beyond releasing the steering wheel, she spent her driving time applying powder, reapplying lipstick, dancing to the rhythm of music, and grabbing snacks, while the driver's seat area was decorated with flowers and various ornaments—a sight many netizens found dangerously reckless. After the video was released, local traffic police immediately contacted Lin following numerous public reports of dangerous driving behavior. Lin confirmed to officers that despite her hands being occupied with other activities, she remained focused on driving at all times. However, officials warned that the driving assistance system was designed solely to assist drivers under normal road conditions and cannot handle all emergency situations or unexpected events, such as sudden lane changes due to road work or unforeseen obstacles. Lin claimed she has great confidence in the intelligent driving system and believes it 'drives better than she does herself,' but police emphasized that the driving assistance system is not a fully autonomous driving system—drivers must remain vigilant and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. Ultimately, Lin was fined 200 yuan, or approximately 950 baht, and had demerit points deducted from her driver's license for conduct that obstructed safe driving. The incident sparked heavy criticism on Chinese social media, accumulating over 10 million views, with many expressing concern that if an accident occurred, it could endanger both the driver and other road users. One netizen commented, 'I'm very afraid of irresponsible drivers like this. If nothing happens, consider yourself lucky, but if an accident occurs, it endangers both yourself and others.' Another said, 'I barely use the intelligent driving system at all. Humans are still more reliable and can handle situations more flexibly than machines.'