Cybertruck Driver Tried Using Wade Mode In A Lake, Ended Up In Jail
Jalopnik • • business
Key Points:
- A Texas man, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, intentionally drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test the vehicle's "Wade Mode," resulting in the truck becoming disabled and stranded underwater.
- The Cybertruck exceeded its recommended wading depth of 32 inches, causing it to take on water, brick itself, and require recovery by first responders using a crane.
- Tesla's manual warns that "Wade Mode" is only effective for water levels below the top of the tires, a guideline McDaniel ignored, leading to his vehicle's failure.
- McDaniel was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle in a closed lake area and multiple water safety violations, including lacking a valid boat registration.
- Texas authorities have cautioned the public against driving vehicles into water bodies due to safety risks, environmental concerns, and the burden on emergency services.