Tesla reignites controversy with the return of the 'Mad Max' driving mode, defying speed limits!
In a bold move, Tesla has reintroduced the notorious 'Mad Max' mode for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, despite ongoing regulatory probes into the safety of their autonomous driving technology. This comes as a surprise to many, given the intense scrutiny Tesla is facing.
You'd expect Tesla to tread carefully after wrongful death lawsuits from customers and pressure from regulators like the California DMV and NHTSA. But Tesla seems to be heading in the opposite direction.
The company is bringing back the 'Mad Max' mode, a feature that encourages aggressive driving by ignoring speed limits. This mode is part of Tesla's Level 2 advanced driver assistance system, which they promise will evolve into a Level 4 fully autonomous system soon, a promise they've made annually for the past seven years.
The recent FSD v14 update, the first major update in a year, introduced the 'Sloth Mode' for slower driving. But Tesla didn't stop there. They've now released FSD v14.1.2, which includes the infamous 'Mad Max' mode, promoting higher speeds and more frequent lane changes.
This isn't the first time Tesla has played with fire. The 'Mad Max' mode, inspired by the post-apocalyptic movie series, was initially launched in 2018 with Tesla Autopilot, the predecessor of Full Self-Driving. Elon Musk himself described it as a more aggressive driving mode for challenging traffic conditions, specifically mentioning Los Angeles.
And here's where it gets controversial: The new 'Mad Max' mode has already been observed disregarding stop signs and exceeding speed limits by over 15 mph within the first 24 hours of its release. This behavior echoes the issues that led to the NHTSA-mandated recall of FSD Beta in 2022 for similar safety concerns.
Tesla's decision to reintroduce this mode raises eyebrows, especially considering the ongoing legal battles and investigations. It's a daring move that invites debate on the balance between innovation and safety.
What's your take on Tesla's latest move? Is it a reckless decision or a calculated risk? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of autonomous driving and the responsibilities of companies like Tesla.
