NHTSA Launches Investigation into Tesla's 'Mad Max' FSD Feature

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature from Tesla, known as “Mad Max” mode, is now under scrutiny as reports indicate vehicles may exceed speed limits significantly. On Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced its inquiry into the feature to gather more insights from Tesla.

This driver assistance mode has drawn attention on social media, with some Tesla owners claiming it allows for rapid acceleration and agile maneuvering through traffic, likened to a sports car’s performance on public roads. NHTSA has issued reminders to drivers, emphasizing their responsibility to maintain control of the vehicle and abide by traffic regulations.

Safety Concerns Under Investigation

Previously, the agency started a wide-ranging investigation into around 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD, prompted by numerous reports of traffic violations and accidents. Among these incidents, there are records of 14 crashes and 23 injuries, alongside occurrences where vehicles disregarded red lights while FSD was activated. Some accounts point to collisions at intersections despite clear signals, raising doubts about the system’s effectiveness in actual road conditions.

The current NHTSA review comes after a year-long examination of Tesla’s FSD technology, which is intended to support drivers rather than replace them entirely. The more assertive actions attributed to the Mad Max mode have raised alarms among regulatory bodies.

Response from Tesla Regarding FSD

Tesla has asserted that its FSD can operate “almost anywhere with minimal intervention”, while stressing that driver attentiveness is crucial. Though the company has yet to release an official response to the NHTSA investigation regarding Mad Max mode, it has previously highlighted the mode’s streamlined traffic navigation capabilities.

Experts view Tesla's implementation of the Mad Max mode as part of a drive to enhance the dynamism of FSD, yet it also brings to light the ongoing challenges of balancing drive-assist technology innovation with ensuring road safety compliance.