UMVA has learned that a reckless driver in Texas suffered a costly lesson when he intentionally drove his Cybertruck into a lake, mistakenly believing it could function as a boat.
The Grapevine Police Department reported that the Cybertruck's owner, Jimmy Jack McDaniel, faces multiple charges after purposely driving his vehicle into the lake while using its "Wade Mode" option on Monday evening. This feature allows the vehicle to drive through shallow water, but police said McDaniel's actions resulted in the vehicle becoming disabled and taking on water.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Tesla's owner manual warns owners that it is their responsibility to gauge the depth of any body of water before entering, and that damage or water ingress to the Cybertruck as a result of driving in water is not covered by the warranty. The manual states that the vehicle can wade in water at a depth of approximately 32 inches, but only at very slow speeds.
The driver and passengers managed to escape the vehicle unharmed before help arrived, and the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team helped tow the vehicle to shore. McDaniel was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle in a closed section of a park or lake, having no valid boat registration, and numerous water safety equipment violations.
Police emphasized that although a vehicle may be physically capable of entering shallow freshwater areas, doing so can create legal and safety concerns under Texas law. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding a vehicle's limitations and adhering to safety guidelines.
