(KRON) – Tesla is reportedly under federal investigation over its new “Mad Max” driver-assistance mode. Tesla rolled out firmware earlier this month for its controversial self-driving feature, which causes the car to accelerate and swerve through traffic to get to a destination faster, while in full self-driving (FSD) mode.
according to ReutersNow, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking information from the electric car maker about its “Mad Max” mode. Social media reports indicate that a more aggressive form of Tesla’s Self-Driving mode could push vehicles beyond posted speed limits.
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the agency told Reuters. “The person sitting behind the wheel bears full responsibility for driving the vehicle and adhering to all traffic safety laws.”
A separate report in Ars Technica noted that the NHTSA had opened a preliminary investigation after dozens of complaints about Teslas running stop signs or crossing oncoming traffic while operating in full self-driving mode.
The NHTSA, according to Reuters, cited six reports in which Tesla vehicles operating at FSD “approached an intersection with a red light, continued into the intersection against the red light and were subsequently involved in a collision with other vehicles.”