There Auto Be A Law

Federal crash tests still rely on a 5’9”, 170‑lb male dummy, leaving heavier, taller, older, and many female body types underrepresented while better (but pricier) sensor-rich dummies exist. Europe pushes intelligent speed assistance and even satellite enforcement, but accuracy, hacking, and real-world driving edge cases raise concerns. Waymo drew dozens of police calls and now touts a new compute chip, prompting worries about revalidating safety and cosmic-ray-induced electronic upsets without strong standards. GM gets heat for cheap backseat “kid reminder” software instead of true presence detection. Tesla takes hits for reckless FSD hype and rising crash reports. A banned counterfeit Chinese airbag inflator claims an 11th life. Recalls: Ford F‑150 fuel tank straps, Toyota C‑HR overcharge shutdown, Ford Bronco curtain-airbag burr. Donate! https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2026/09/10/crash-test-dummies-get-second-look-for-safety-from-michigan-labs/90886527007/ https://insideevs.com/news/801020/eu-mulling-satellite-speed-limits/ https://www.designnews.com/automotive-engineering/waymo-unveils-custom-5nm-asic-to-power-real-time-autonomous-driving-with-1000-tops-performance https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/general/police-records-show-how-waymo-robotaxis-struggled-on-san-antonio-streets/ar-AA2c7hdG https://electrek.co/2026/09/11/musk-promotes-tesla-fsd-misuse-98-year-old/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/09/12/would-jesus-like-waymo-baptists-have-thoughts/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/nyregion/mamdani-street-safety-vision-zero-reimagined.html more links at the site.

This week we're joined by former NASA engineer Chris Chamberlin to discuss oil changes. But first it's Tesla’s steering-wheel-free Cybercab rolls out while claiming self-certified compliance, prompting regulators to probe how it could possibly meet federal safety standards despite missing basics like pedals and mirrors. Their emergency responder guide is mocked as wildly impractical: flatbed-only towing, badge-to-camera verification, jumpstarting low-voltage power to open the hood, heavy “guillotine” doors, and battery fires needing 3,000–8,000 gallons of water. The discussion compares lax autonomous-vehicle oversight to NASA-style “test what you fly,” then detours into shuttle-era lubricant analysis and why oil-change intervals are oversold. Recalls cover Jeep coil springs and rear-camera software failures in Ram and Outlander. Support the Show. Donate! https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/investigation-tesla-cybercab-self-certification https://electrek.co/2026/09/08/tesla-cybercab-hidden-virtual-joystick-manual-driving/ https://www.dps.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/highwaypatrol/cav/plans/tesla_cybercab_robotaxi.pdf https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/business/tesla-cybercab-nhtsa-investigation.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2026/09/07/seat-belt-chimes-are-meant-save-lives-some-people-still-resent-them/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V562-9434.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V560-9456.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V549-3979.pdf

We look at why sunroofs can shatter—debris, temperature swings, or defects—and why switching to laminated glass could worsen escape in a crash. Telematics data suggests cell phone use before crashes is far higher than police reports indicate, though navigation may muddy the numbers. A Waymo collision shows the robot kept driving to a safer pull-over, while Tesla’s “FSD Lite” on older hardware is criticized after plowing over a large log. A federal reporting quirk can miss robotaxi hard-braking injuries without a crash, fueling calls for near-miss reporting. Also: eBay bans airbag listings, a fuel-economy rollback is blasted, “rest-in-red” lights reward slow drivers, Singapore caps car ownership, and major recalls hit Chrysler, Kia, Britax, Lucid, and Ford. Donate for Safety! https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/car-sunroofs-keep-spontaneously-explodingand-the-problem-is-getting-worse-b197d466 https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/study-shows-police-reports-undercount-cellphone-use-before-crashes https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/waymo-driverless-vehicle-collides-with-car-in-california/vi-AA2b8tPI# https://electrek.co/2026/08/24/tesla-fsd-v14-1-lite-drove-over-log/ https://autos.yahoo.com/policy-and-environment/articles/why-robotaxi-hard-braking-injuries-215500260.html https://news.engin.umich.edu/2026/07/self-driving-cars-near-miss-driving-data-can-expedite-av-algorithm-training/ https://www.autonomousvehicleinternational.com/news/trucks/amd-to-power-kodiak-ais-next-generation-autonomous-trucks.html https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2022-1 more links at the website

China orders a 4.3 million-vehicle recall over hard-to-find manual door releases and plans to ban certain electronic door-handle designs by 2027, highlighting faster safety rulemaking than U.S. regulators. Rosy claims about robotaxi safety and affordability are mocked as PR, with criticism of redacted crash disclosures and “shill” tech journalism. A GM blind-spot issue is blasted as a mere service bulletin, and a GM EV brake problem sits in investigation. Donate for safety! https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/china-flexes-its-auto-safety-chops-with-huge-recall-tesla-other-cars-2026-08-26/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/democrats-waymo-safety-jobs/688324/?gift=-C-w73vZX-CaPlkKhA0XdmkVQkhpIPzwYPSt0okkDKE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chg_MXkMolY https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/amazons-toaster-shaped-robotaxis-are-hitting-the-road-111c7b90 https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/08/gm-releases-widespread-fix-for-false-blind-spot-monitoring-system-alerts/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/waymo-hands-over-documents-in-nhtsa-s-child-collision-probe/ar-AA2aFAK0 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INRL-PE26001-14420P1.pdf https://www.techtimes.com/articles/325359/20260824/japan-mandates-cabin-facing-cameras-all-cars-2031-smartphone-bans-fail.htm https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/driver-death-rates-remain-high-for-small-cars-models-with-powerful-engines https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/brake-problems-in-gm-evs-draw-greater-federal-scrutiny/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V545-1489.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V528-0755.pdf

Privacy-troubled license-plate readers promise shorter data retention while still ripe for abuse, and “park outside” warnings highlight how always-on electronics can spark garage fires. Backup cameras have triggered recalls across over 20 million vehicles. Zoox’s safety claims lack numbers and has 123 autonomous-mode collisions logged, Tesla’s steering-wheel-free Cybercab talk is called nonsense, and Waymo’s expansion is criticized as ignoring local opposition, with a data-based claim it’s far more hazardous than comparable human-driven cars. https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-guardrails-address-lpr-privacy-concerns-and-police-transparency https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/they-wwwwre-told-to-park-outside-then-their-cars-burst-into-flames/ar-AA2ahnLG https://zoox.com/journal/safety-case-framework https://thenextweb.com/news/zoox-safety-case-framework-robotaxi-recall https://www.iihs.org/ratings/driver-death-rates-by-make-and-model https://waymo.com/blog/2024/08/meet-the-6th-generation-waymo-driver/ https://electrek.co/2026/08/17/tesla-cybercab-launch-least-exciting-vehicle-ever/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-quantumscape-and-factorial-energy-mass-produce-solid-state-batteries/ https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/17/health/album-streaming-traffic-deaths https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/08/new-research-finds-most-drivers-think-speeding-is-normal-putting-everyone-at-risk/ https://electrek.co/2026/08/14/waymo-cpuc-approval-california-expansion-18-counties/ https://www.jalopnik.com/2239114/toyota-lexus-cars-electric-door-handles-battery-dies/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3VnjQqbsnE more links on site

A loose plastic body panel sparks a debate: glue is a hidden, warranty-voiding headache, while tape is visible and replaceable. Flock license-plate cameras—useful for stopping theft, but ripe for stalking, bad data, and misuse, prompting calls for audits and safeguards and even contract drops like the LAPD’s. Auto insurers get roasted for denying more liability claims and for “household member” technicalities that can zero out coverage. Waymo takes heat for secrecy, arbitration-heavy terms, liability limits, remote assistance delays, and “superhuman” hype, plus news it’s importing Chinese Zeekr vans. Recalls: Chrysler seat belt retractors, Toyota blank instrument displays, Tesla headlamp glare, Rivian turn signals. Support the show! https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/flock-cameras-can-track-every-car-in-america-police-love-them-citizens-dont.html https://www.404media.co/lapd-regularly-pulled-over-innocent-people-because-license-plate-readers-flagged-their-cars-as-stolen/ https://www.wsj.com/finance/if-you-get-in-a-car-crash-the-risk-is-growing-your-insurance-wont-pay-1522236c https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/dems/peters-blumenthal-release-gao-report-finding-doge-misled-americans-about-claimed-savings/ https://www.autosafety.org/podcast/terms-of-service-we-read-them-so-you-dont-have-to/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2026/08/02/americans-cant-buy-chinese-evs-waymo-is-importing-thousands/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/news/2026/07/17/driver-moose-crash-in-volvo-safety-design/90962301007/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V510-6120.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V511-8251.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V507-2774.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V508-6656.pdf

A sharp, skeptical rundown of how federal regulators are easing the path for autonomous vehicles—highlighting a Zoox exemption from key occupant-protection standards, a thinly funded industry-led push for AV “performance standards,” and a Congress bill framed as safety but criticized as preempting state oversight. Plus a “freedom cars” proposal to block mandates for connectivity. We argue that privacy should be fixed by banning data sales, not by ditching safety-enabling tech. Real-world robotaxi risks for blind minors and riders with mobility issues get spotlighted, plus more and recalls. Support Safety! https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/cutting-red-tape-safely-fast-track-automated-vehicle https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/31/2026-15485/zoox-grant-of-temporary-exemption-from-portions-of-various-requirements-of-the-federal-motor-vehicle https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2026/07/29/waymo-meltdowns-revive-av-lobbying-fight-01015521 https://www.jalopnik.com/2227747/sean-duffy-freedom-cars-data-bonded/ https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/cars/driver-assistance-technology-dashboard-ead96bd2 https://electrek.co/2026/08/03/tesla-fsd-v14-lite-hw3-computer-failures/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/business/uber-sexual-assault-lawsuits.html https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V481-9237.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V487-9835.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V489-5381.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E050-7856.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E051-5250.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V495-1973.pdf

Regulators are starting work on new car-door escape rules after reports of people trapped and killed in Teslas when electric latches fail, but the issue wasn’t treated as a defect requiring a recall. The conversation also blasts Tesla’s vision-only approach as NHTSA seeks an internal “Radar Saves Us” document, and argues AVs operate in a standards-free Wild West. California lawmakers push bills to force robotaxis to cooperate with first responders and allow geofencing. Waymo’s “safer than humans” claim is picked apart for shaky data and missing confidence levels. Backup cameras are praised for cutting child backover injuries and deaths, even as recalls pile up—especially Ford’s. Support Safety. Support the Show! https://electrek.co/2026/07/21/nhtsa-tesla-radar-saves-us-document-fsd-probe/ https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/28/san-francisco-waymo-washington-01013227 https://sfstandard.com/2026/07/22/dave-cortese-sb-1246-robotaxi-qa/ https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-26/multiple-people-injured-pico-union-collision-waymo https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-department-launches-new-initiative-using-ai-modernize https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/waymos-driverless-cars-crash-less-often-than-people https://www.jalopnik.com/2222264/iihs-says-waymos-are-safer-than-human-drivers/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/do-backup-cameras-make-driving-safer/ar-AA28HHGC https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V468-6532.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V470-7045.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V458-5745.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V473-2438.pdf

Robotaxis rack up clashes with first responders in Austin, and the “training” offered is click-through PR. A critique argues autonomous-vehicle safety isn’t comparable to medicine because AVs lack rigorous independent certification, accountability, and transparency, and “edge cases” are really unsafe control failures. Tesla’s remote assistance reportedly drove a robotaxi into a stump, raising doubts about remote driving and camera-only sensing. DC debates highlight equity claims for blind riders alongside safety and exploitation risks Plus Recalls! Support Safety! https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/other/as-robotaxis-expand-in-austin-challenges-with-first-responders-highlight-limits-of-local-control/ar-AA28nqRb https://www.ghsa.org/resource-hub/waymo-first-responder-av-training https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/14/robotaxi-riders-falling-asleep/ https://www.noemamag.com/why-we-demand-perfect-machines-yet-tolerate-human-carnage/ https://electrek.co/2026/07/20/tesla-robotaxi-remote-operator-crash-houston/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/07/16/waymo-really-wants-operate-dc-does-dc-want-waymo/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/uber-s-robotaxi-lobbying-effort-puts-it-on-a-collision-course-with-waymo/ar-AA27NXOM https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/fhwa-removes-bike-lanes-speed-cameras-safety-measures-list/825538/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V441-0046.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V451-5134.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V452-5146.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E044-9233.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V448-4416.pdf

Phil Koopman is back. Federal regulators warned autonomous vehicle operators to fix dangerous interactions with first responders and promised meetings and recall pressure, sparking debate over NHTSA’s limited tools and the need to preserve state enforcement of driving behavior. A deep dive reframed “edge cases” as situations vehicles aren’t trained to handle—often not rare and sometimes severe—arguing geofencing and databases aren’t foolproof, while remote assistance looks like a permanent crutch with its own failure modes. There’s also a bright congestion-pricing win in NYC for ambulance times, plus recalls for Kia Telluride fire risk, Honda Odyssey camera corrosion, and Ram 1500 headlamp flicker. Support Safety! https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/av-developers-automated-vehicle-that-cannot-safely-interact-first-responders-danger https://philkoopman.substack.com/p/nhtsa-broadens-scope-of-acceptable https://avsafety.substack.com/p/edge-cases-and-the-long-tail-of-safety https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-junko-on-av-safety/id1894854190 https://waymo.com/blog/2026/07/time-geo-crash-risk-effect/ https://www.jalopnik.com/2212493/nyc-congestion-pricing-cut-ems-response-times-by-one-minute/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V430-6699.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V423-4353.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V421-4385.pdf

Waymo has a rough July 4th in San Francisco: robotaxis roll over live fireworks, one catches fire, and a traffic jam forms with a long line of stalled vehicles; in another case, two 15-year-olds ride one while allegedly drinking and shooting projectiles. A Tesla Semi crash kills two people, raising questions about automatic emergency braking and driver monitoring, while regulators still lack a finalized heavy-truck AEB standard. A deep dive celebrates the right-edge white line’s safety history, then critiques “independent” AV safety reviews and rosy government messaging. A model argues broad deployment of proven safety tech (AEB, speed assistance, alcohol detection) beats AV hype. Recalls cover Ford pedestrian sounds, Mach‑E differential failure, Mustang wiper glitches, and a GM third-row power-fold seat hazard. Support Auto Safety https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/terrifying-moment-waymo-drives-exploding-205608345.html https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-firework-fire-san-francisco-22333244.php https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/dozens-waymos-clog-presidio-july-142239118.html https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/bay-area-teen-waymo-riders-nabbed-for-allegedly-shooting-projectiles-from-robotaxi/ar-AA27pze0 More links on the site.

Regulators consider letting self-driving vehicles skip manual brake pedals—raising alarms about emergencies and unproven safety metrics. Tesla settles a deadly crash case as critics blast BS safety claims. Meanwhile, “quality” awards and China-car fearmongering get called out, Nvidia’s robotaxi safety talk is vague, steering-wheel “bling” is warned to turn airbags into shrapnel and recalls hit Hyundai, GM, Toyota/Subaru, and Ford. Support the show! https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/wayve-self-driving-technology-2e917ebd https://www.jalopnik.com/2203830/nhtsa-plan-autonomous-car-brakes-nearvous/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/general/us-proposes-to-drop-brake-pedal-requirements-for-self-driving-vehicles/ar-AA26xoGu https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/06/feds-deny-polestar-authorization-to-sell-cars-in-us-from-model-year-2027/ https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-musk/senator-demands-tesla-held-accountable-alleged-self-driving-crash-rcna351690 https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/18/rivian-owners-file-lawsuit-alleging-false-promises-on-self-driving-features/ https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines/airlines-are-installing-new-luxury-seats-but-no-one-is-allowed-to-sit-in-them-14e2878c https://safetyresearch.net/aftermarket-car-bling-continues-to-inflict-harm/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2026/06/30/child-hot-car-deaths-2026-data-maps/90736117007/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V400-5456.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V399-0136.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V393-3335.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V402-1380.pdf

A New York Times deep dive ties the rise of huge pickups and SUVs to pedestrian deaths, spotlighting poor visibility and high hoods that “punt” people into a run-over path, while lawmakers push the Pedestrian Protection Act to force tougher federal scrutiny and consumer ratings. Automakers deflect toward road design and hype pedestrian-braking tech even as industry fights related rules. A fatal high-speed Tesla crash raises questions about driver-assist overrides, data transparency, and whether automation breeds complacency. A peer-reviewed argument says “edge cases” are inevitable in AI cars because testing every failure combination is impossible. Meanwhile: Waymo recalls, GM revives autonomy ambitions, and Ford unleashes a blizzard of recalls—many fixing earlier failed fixes. Support the show! https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/06/21/us/trucks-suv-pedestrian-crashes.html https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2028 https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/06/increased-pickup-and-suv-size-blamed-for-rising-pedestrian-fatalities/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/21/us/tesla-autopilot-crash-texas.html https://electrek.co/2026/06/23/tesla-fsd-katy-crash-driver-pedal/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-senators-ask-review-teslas-full-self-driving-safety-data-citing-reuters-2026-06-16/ https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/10/waymo-says-it-built-a-better-benchmark-for-comparing-robotaxis-to-humans/ https://thenextweb.com/news/gm-autonomous-driving-robotaxi-sterling-anderson-super-cruise https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E035-7637.pdf https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/recalls/2026/06/20/car-recall-leaders-2026-ford-stellantis/90611355007/ More recalls on the website.

A roast of autonomous-vehicle hype calls out bold Tesla/robotaxi cost and safety claims as unsupported, then shifts to California’s proposed replacement-tire efficiency rules and the tradeoffs between fuel economy, tread life, and tire waste. A wider look at big-profit SUVs and a snarky take on banning Chinese “surveillance” cars leads into why the EU’s AI Act matters—and what it may still miss on inspection and validation. A deep dive explains how GNSS/GPS can be jammed or spoofed, creating serious self-driving risk. The mood turns grim with a spike in driveway front-over/back-over child deaths tied to huge blind zones, then ends with road-rage stats and Arkansas taking the dubious crown. Support Safety! https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/26/06/53077645/cathie-wood-asks-elon-musk-about-tesla-robotaxi-parking-ticket https://youtu.be/tz23G_UXCGA?si=LoVfgLmhaMyMWe03 https://electriccarsreport.com/2026/06/toyota-to-demonstrate-liquid-hydrogen-powered-tr-lh2-racing-prototype-at-le-mans/ https://www.jalopnik.com/2187888/new-california-proposal-could-ban-enthusiast-tires/ https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/06/michigan-politicians-want-to-ban-chinese-badged-cars-from-even-visiting-the-us/ https://www.automotive-iq.com/generative-ai/articles/eu-ai-act-explained-for-automotive-what-changes-for-ai-vehicle-safety-adas-and-autonomous-driving https://www.wbiw.com/2026/06/09/10-children-killed-in-driveway-and-parking-lot-tragedies-in-just-18-days/ https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/states-with-the-worst-road-rage

The “magic” Donut Labs battery gets debunked as ordinary lithium‑ion, tied to a crowdfunding-fueled scam with big promises and no manufactured cells, while real solid-state progress is still coming from major automakers. Americans are keeping cars longer (now ~13 years), slowing the spread of safety tech like advanced AEB. Driverless delivery trucks tout reliability and UL 4600 talk, but robotaxis draw scrutiny for safety claims, red-light issues, and a stalled vehicle that delayed firefighters. Zoox safety marketing and exemptions get criticized, Texas is dragged for an unfunded school-bus seatbelt mandate, liquid hydrogen gets a quick reality check, and multiple recalls hit seatbelts, moonroofs, and fire risks (Jeep, Pacifica PHEV). Support the show! https://electrek.co/2026/06/08/donut-lab-solid-state-battery-exposed-lithium-ion-fraud/ https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/americans-are-keeping-their-cars-longer-than-ever-and-remaking-the-auto-industry-c169e494 https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/driverless-trucks-pepsico-texas-arizona-arkansas-ee4495f0?mod=hp_lead_pos11 https://edition.cnn.com/us/waymo-robotaxis-safety-invs https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/bodycam-shows-cop-trying-move-102600011.html https://abc13.com/post/texas-school-districts-struggling-costs-complying-bus-seatbelt-law/19235825/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V356-0668.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V344-7460.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V346-4589.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V363-5757.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V362-0804.pdf

A whirlwind tour of automotive chaos: skepticism toward bold self-driving claims and cherry-picked safety stats, a Tesla crash into a California home, and BYD promising to cover liability when its driver-assist is used “properly.” The discussion also torches rosy “facts” from the autonomous trucking lobby, argues drunk-driving prevention tech isn’t a privacy apocalypse, and flags “zero-gravity” seats as a potential safety risk. A battery deep-dive compares energy density, charging, lifespan, and unanswered cost questions. Recalls roll in for Ford suspension joints, Toyota dashboards, Honda seat sensors affecting airbags, Nissan blank instrument clusters, and GM airbag inflators with rupture risk. Support Auto Safety! https://www.reuters.com/investigations/why-teslas-ai-trainers-dont-trust-its-self-driving-tech-or-its-safety-stats-2026-05-28/ https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67ee365c25e6530594bd40c2/688a2ff712e094608196a6b3_AV%20Truck%20Factsheet_.pdf https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/kill-switch-law-means-next-080330472.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/tesla-autopilot-crashes-claremont-home-102130808.html https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/01/byd-takes-on-crash-liability-when-its-driver-assist-system-is-active/ https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-releases-draft-safety-requirements-ev-battery-recycling-2026-05-26/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V340-0609.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V341-2541.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V332-6150.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V331-8971.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V329-0487.pdf

Waymo’s “final remedy” for flooded roads amounts to geofencing around flash-flood warnings, raising doubts about sensor limits, end-to-end AI hype, and slow remote assistance—especially after a robotaxi reportedly sped through a freeway construction zone with police chasing it, prompting a temporary freeway pause. AV's need to identify themselves to other road users. Tesla is criticized for selectively unredacting crash narratives, Uber is accused of pushing liability limits and manipulating self-insurance to bankroll AV expansion, plus more and recalls. Support the Show! https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/waymo-pauses-service-in-four-cities-as-robotaxis-keep-driving-into-floods/ https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-suspends-freeway-rides-pauses-atlanta-operations-amid-safety-fixes-2026-05-21/ https://philkoopman.substack.com/p/robotaxi-safety-problems-are-the https://www.autoevolution.com/news/waymo-suspends-all-freeway-rides-after-customer-shares-neck-breaking-ride-from-hell-270360.html https://electrek.co/2026/05/15/tesla-unredacts-robotaxi-crash-narratives-nhtsa/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/waymo-robot-taxis-blind.html https://consumerwatchdog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Facing-an-existential-threat_-How-Uber-is-navigating-clashes-with-trial-attorneys-assault-lawsuits-and-competition-Los-Angeles-Times.pdf https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/these-clever-active-beam-headlights-are-finally-coming-to-america/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V320-0076.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V316-9486.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V308-8651.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V307-7963.pdf

Car ads keep glorifying speed while broadcast rules obsess over seat belts and ignore speeding, and horsepower hype is called mostly useless for real driving. In Europe, some brands accept lower Euro NCAP scores—often split by trim and optional safety packs—while U.S. ratings feel like everyone gets five stars as testing lags and funding stays thin. A federal bill would tack on an annual EV fee to help pay for roads. Waymo's earn side-eye for flooding blunders, blocking fire stations, and questionable “evidence” from a doctor-backed pro-AV letter, while bold promises claim humans will barely drive in 10 years. NYC may force repeat speed-camera offenders to install GPS-based speed limiters with a daily fee. Recalls include Jeep Cherokee rollaway risk, Tesla and Mercedes display/camera glitches, plus Waymo flood-response issues, and an AV Ride probe for crashes and red-light behavior. Support the show! https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/more-car-ads-promote-vehicle-performance-despite-dangers-of-speed https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/buying/why-some-carmakers-are-intentionally-settling-for-lower-safety-scores/ar-AA23uFoK https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/bipartisan-bill-in-congress-includes-130-annual-ev-registration-fee/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/30/nyregion/nyc-speed-limiters-cars-frequent-speeders.html https://futurism.com/advanced-transport/waymo-recall-floodwater https://opmed.doximity.com/articles/an-open-letter-from-the-medical-community-on-america-s-road-deaths https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2026/05/18/elon-musk-sees-broad-use-of-self-driving-cars-without-human-monitors/90144524007/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V290-1107.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V283-7135.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V281-7837.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E026-6527.pdf

A flood sweeps away Waymo's in San Antonio and we dig into safety claims, and why they really don't get tickets. Zook's terms are flagged for burying major warnings, forcing arbitration, and capping liability. Lawmakers are criticized for framing alcohol-impairment prevention tech as “surveillance” while carmakers already monetize driver data. Plus NHTSA is underfunded truck-safety oversight, Tesla’s retrofits for “full self-driving,” police pursuit tech like grapplers and drones, and a batch of recalls from Ford, Volkswagen/Audi, and Jaguar Land Rover. Support Safety! https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/waymo-san-antonio-still-paused-212804570.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBNfHUhmdq8 https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/04/24/robotaxis-dc-bill-charles-allen/ https://newrepublic.com/article/209475/waymos-wont-solve-traffic-deaths https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/24/opinion/trucking-safety.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ready-next-car-decide-too-145928352.html https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/exclusive-kill-switch-amendment-could-shake-up-the-capitol-hill-fisa-fight/ar-AA21RESZ https://insideevs.com/news/793786/tesla-hw3-retrofit-micro-factories/ https://nypost.com/2026/04/10/us-news/california-congresswoman-pushes-for-technology-to-reduce-deadly-car-chases/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V238-6269.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V240-2255.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V258-9757.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V248-5125.pdf

A New Orleans scheme staged “slammer” crashes into 18-wheelers to cash in on big insurance, spotlighting why dash cams and truck cameras matter and how fraud raises costs for everyone. Regulators also keep letting dangerous “chameleon” trucking companies rebrand and roll on, even with glaring red flags. Meanwhile, phantom braking drama shows how widespread driver-assist tech still lacks strong standards before 2029. Self-driving hype gets shredded over remote supervision, shaky safety claims, and lawsuits over undelivered promises—followed by a grab bag of major recalls from Ford, Honda, Kia/Hyundai, and Ram. support the show! https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/04/20/the-car-crash-conspiracy https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/why-letting-cheaper-chinese-cars-140036080.html?guccounter=1 https://www.cbsnews.com/projects/2026/chameleon-carrier-trucks/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Ca5DzYk2A https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2026/honda-wins-phantom-braking-lawsuit-trial.shtml https://electrek.co/2026/04/18/tesla-robotaxi-launches-dallas-houston-small-geofences/ https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/car-owners-are-revolting-over-teslas-self-driving-promises-b76edcdd https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/cars/2026/04/14/waymo-selfdriving-cars-nashville-strange-behavior-metro-police/89588326007/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V237-6816.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V227-3612.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V232-8722.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V229-0144.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V244-8175.pdf