Texas Driver Released After Cybertruck Lake Test Fails at 32-Inch Wade Limit

11 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 20

Jimmy Jack McDaniel, 70, was released May 19 after police arrested him for intentionally driving a Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake to test its "Wade Mode."
Around 8 p.m. May 18, officers found the truck disabled near Katie’s Woods Park Boat Ramp after it took on water; firefighters later pulled it from the lake.
McDaniel told local TV he had used the feature in the lake and even the Atlantic Ocean before, but this time went too deep, possibly letting water into the charging port and knocking out steering.
Tesla says Wade Mode can handle water up to about 32 inches, but warns drivers to judge depth carefully and says water-ingress damage is not covered by warranty.
Police charged McDaniel with driving in a closed section of the park and lake and with multiple water-safety violations, underscoring their warning that vehicle capability does not override Texas law.

Is the Cybertruck's 'Wade Mode' a revolutionary feature or a warranty-voiding trap for overconfident drivers?

When a driver misuses a smart car's features, where does user error end and potential manufacturer liability begin?