URGENT UPDATE: Federal regulators have launched an investigation into Tesla’s controversial “Mad Max” driving mode, amid rising concerns that it allows cars to ignore speed limits. This follows reports from Tesla owners suggesting that the mode encourages reckless driving behaviors, raising alarms about public safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in direct contact with Tesla to obtain further information on this newly implemented feature as part of its broader scrutiny of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. The investigation comes on the heels of a recent wrongful death lawsuit that Tesla lost, costing the company an estimated $200 million.
In this lawsuit, a Tesla vehicle operating in Autopilot mode allegedly sped through a stop sign at 62 miles per hour, resulting in a tragic collision that killed one individual and severely injured another. The NHTSA has been alerted to multiple incidents of Tesla’s FSD system disregarding traffic signals and veering into oncoming traffic.
Critics, including attorney Brett Schreiber, who represented the family in the wrongful death case, argue that Tesla is “deliberately programming cars to exceed speed limits and drive aggressively.” Schreiber emphasized that this approach prioritizes aesthetics and sales over safety, putting lives at risk.
“Tesla appears to be sacrificing public safety for the sake of being perceived as cutting-edge,” Schreiber stated.
As part of the firmware update, Tesla introduced two distinct driving modes: “Sloth,” which drives cautiously, and “Mad Max,” which encourages high-speed, reckless driving. This duality has raised eyebrows among safety advocates who warn that such features could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
The NHTSA is now investigating how the “Mad Max” mode functions and its implications for driver responsibility. Officials remind the public that, legally, the “human behind the wheel is fully responsible” for any incidents that occur while using these modes.
This investigation adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges facing Tesla, as the company continues to innovate rapidly while also facing scrutiny over safety practices. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as federal officials work to ensure the safety of all road users.
As this story develops, Tesla owners and potential buyers are urged to stay informed about the implications of using the FSD system, especially with the ongoing investigation into the “Mad Max” mode. More details are expected to emerge as the NHTSA continues its inquiry.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
