Tesla(US:TSLA) Benzinga·2026-02-25 17:24Core Viewpoint - Ross Gerber, co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, has raised serious safety concerns regarding Tesla's autonomous driving software, particularly its "Mad Max" mode, following a legal setback for the company related to its Autopilot system [1][4]. Group 1: Safety Concerns - Gerber criticized the "Mad Max" mode, which allows for higher speeds and more frequent lane changes, stating it could potentially lead to fatal accidents due to erratic driving behavior [3][8]. - He emphasized that Tesla supporters reacted negatively to his safety warnings, indicating a divide in perception regarding the safety of Tesla's self-driving features [2]. Group 2: Legal and Financial Implications - Gerber linked the aggressive driving mode to Tesla's recent legal issues, specifically referencing a $240 million liability payment related to a fatal crash involving the Autopilot system [4][5]. - A U.S. District Judge upheld a jury verdict against Tesla for a 2019 crash that resulted in a death, reinforcing concerns about the safety of the Autopilot feature [5]. Group 3: Performance and Regulatory Challenges - Gerber has previously expressed doubts about the improvements in Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) performance, suggesting that hardware adjustments may be necessary [6]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles due to over 50 reported safety-related incidents, indicating increasing regulatory scrutiny [7].