diff --git a/scripts/index.js b/scripts/index.js
index c6b6b695b..e9d73fac3 100644
--- a/scripts/index.js
+++ b/scripts/index.js
@@ -438,7 +438,7 @@
     var steeringManifestEl = document.querySelector('.steering-manifest');
 
     player.one('loadedmetadata', function() {
-      var steeringController = player.tech_.vhs.playlistController_.contentSteeringController_;
+      var steeringController = player.tech_.vhs && player.tech_.vhs.playlistController_.contentSteeringController_;
 
       if (!steeringController) {
         return;