Tesla's 'Mad Max' Mode Under Scrutiny: Executive Shares Personal Insights

Tesla's controversial "Mad Max" mode, a spirited driving profile within its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, is facing regulatory attention from the NHTSA. While some have labeled the feature "dangerous," a Tesla executive has offered a personal perspective, detailing its capabilities and potential applications.

Key Takeaways

• The NHTSA has initiated a probe into Tesla's "Mad Max" mode, requesting more information on its speed profile.

• The agency reiterated that drivers remain ultimately responsible for vehicle control when using the feature.

• The executive's personal experience suggests "Mad Max" mode drives like an attentive human, adapting to traffic flow.

• The mode is optional and requires driver engagement, similar to performance modes in other vehicles.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun investigating Tesla's "Mad Max" mode, a setting that allows for more aggressive driving behavior. The agency is seeking further details regarding the mode's speed profile and has emphasized the continued requirement for drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle. This marks the first instance of regulatory attention for this particular driving profile.

Is "Mad Max" Mode a Significant Concern?

While regulatory bodies are tasked with ensuring public safety, the "Mad Max" mode is an optional feature that necessitates driver attentiveness and responsible use. The argument arises whether this mode is fundamentally different from performance modes found in sports cars, which also demand full driver engagement and are not semi-autonomous. The core issue appears to be the responsible and correct utilization of Tesla's Full Self-Driving capabilities, as any accelerated driving mode can pose a risk if the operator is not paying attention.

Personal Experience with "Mad Max"

One executive shared their personal experience using the "Mad Max" mode approximately ten times since its rollout to Early Access Program members. They noted that the mode performed maneuvers they wouldn't typically make manually, such as passing on the right, and maintained a high speed on the interstate. While the driving was quick, it never felt unsafe, though it did raise concerns about potential traffic violations. The executive found the mode useful for specific scenarios like navigating heavy traffic on busy highways or expressways where higher speeds are common, but deemed it too aggressive for residential areas. They concluded that the mode's performance is comparable to how many other vehicles travel on the road and is far from an anomaly. The executive believes it's inaccurate to portray "Mad Max" as an inherently dangerous hazard, as drivers uncomfortable with its speed or maneuvers can simply choose not to use it.

It remains to be seen how the NHTSA will proceed, whether they will require Tesla to modify the speed profile or remove the feature entirely. The executive also acknowledged that personal experiences with the mode may vary among users.