Tesla’s Mad Max Mode Under Investigation by Federal Authorities
Federal investigators are currently probing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, with a spotlight on the recently reintroduced “Mad Max mode.” This feature, which purportedly allows for higher speeds and more frequent lane changes, has raised concerns about its compliance with traffic safety regulations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they are in communication with Tesla to gather further information regarding Mad Max. The agency emphasized that the responsibility for driving and adhering to traffic laws ultimately lies with the human operator of the vehicle. This investigation follows an earlier probe into Tesla’s FSD, where the agency noted that the technology has led to violations of traffic safety laws, such as running red lights and driving against oncoming traffic.
Tesla initially introduced the Mad Max mode back in 2018, prior to the launch of its FSD. After a hiatus, the mode was reintroduced this month, leading to reports of vehicles using it disregarding stop signs and exceeding speed limits.
Further complicating matters, during a recent period of his administration, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was reported to have made cuts at the NHTSA, including the dismissal of staff members dedicated to enhancing autonomous vehicle safety.
As this investigation unfolds, concerns continue to mount over the implications that such features may have on road safety and regulatory compliance.
For more updates, stay tuned.
