Woman appears to be sleeping at the wheel of Tesla on California highway

Footage has emerged of a woman who appears to be fast asleep while in the driving seat of a Tesla driving along a highway in California.

Tesla, the pride and joy of Elon Musk before he turned his attention to Twitter, is an electric car company that boasts cars that possess self-driving capabilities.

That being said, the company's website clearly states that the autopilot system is there to assist drivers as opposed to making the vehicle completely autonomous.

One woman in California apparently didn't read the manual before getting into her car, as a vehicle shows her having a snooze while her car drives along a highway.

As reported by KTLA 5, the person who recorded the sleeping driver following the Tesla for 15 minutes, during which time they honked and attempted to gain the attention of the inconsiderate driver.

Authorities were then called as the Tesla driver was causing a real safety risk to herself and those around her - regardless of the safety features fitted on the car.

During the video, a shocked road user can be heard saying: "Look at how dangerous that is. You guys, I'm sorry that is too damn dangerous. Sleeping and this car is driving you. Are you nuts?"

Tesla has self-driving capabilities but is only supposed to assist the driver. Credit: Clarence Holmes Photography / Alamy

This isn't the only story involving a Tesla that is causing intrigue, as a man has been accused of driving his self-driving vehicle over the cliff edge in a bid to kill his family.

On Monday, Dharmesh Patel, 42, was charged with three counts of attempted murder in relation to an incident that took place on January 2 which left his 41-year-old wife Neha Patel and their children, a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy wounded and needing treatment.

As reported by People, Neha told police that her husband intentionally drove the car over the edge, causing them to fall down the 250-foot cliff.

Tesla cars usually require a driver's hands to remain on the wheel even when in self-driving mode. Credit: Jeffrey Blackler / Alamy

The ordeal took place on the famous Devil's Slide in San Mateo County, near Pacifica, which is an area where a number of fatalities have taken place over the years.

The police are still attempting to conclude a motive for the husband wishing to cause harm to himself and his family.

Featured image credit: Taina Sohlman / Alamy