There Auto Be A Law

There Auto Be A Law

di Center for Auto Safety
AutoTecnologia
Stagione 4
Texas mandates seat belts but forgets the funding
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
S4 · E43
11 giu 2026
1:03:24
Tesla's Unusual Detours, the Misplaced Panic of Kill Switches, and AV Trucking Truths
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
S4 · E42
4 giu 2026
1:09:50
Autonomous Adjacent Vehicles
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
S4 · E41
28 mag 2026
1:05:37
Super Speeders, Waymo and Water Hazards plus Dangerous Ads
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
S4 · E40
21 mag 2026
56:38
Churning the Nonsense: The Waymo files
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
S4 · E39
30 apr 2026
1:04:16
Chameleon Carriers, "Slammers", Waymo and Tesla. Is there anywhere safe to drive?
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
S4 · E38
23 apr 2026
1:04:48
Automated Gullibility
A wide-ranging safety rant links soaring car prices and shrinking fuel economy to policy shifts, then flirts with a fix: let Chinese automakers compete—if they build in the U.S., ditch subsidies, and address cybersecurity. "Ghost” trucking fleets game DOT numbers to erase violations and push unsafe hours, begging for tighter oversight. Europe’s tiny Tesla FSD “quiz” gets mocked as flimsy liability theater, while both Musk and Waymo safety boasts are slammed as data-cherry-picking. Bright spot: $50M for ambulance blood transfusions at crash scenes. Bonus tips: carry a car fire extinguisher. Support the show! https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/04/13/opinion/affordable-car-cost.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylbvU-lmcpI https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-dangerous-trucking-schemes-putting-americans-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript/ https://insideevs.com/news/792801/europe-fsd-quiz-to-activate/ https://electrek.co/2026/04/08/musk-tesla-fsd-10x-safer-claim-doesnt-hold-up/ https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/04/13/blood-transfusion-trauma-patients-connecticut https://www.cbtnews.com/euro-ncap-says-u-s-politics-slowing-vehicle-safety-progress/ https://saferoads.org/2026-av-tech-truck-poll/ https://www.autosafety.org/autonomous-vehicle-checklist/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/fire-extinguisher-for-cars-do-you-need-one-and-which-type-is-best/ar-AA20RunG https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V218-6077.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V216-4969.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V209-1445.pdf
S4 · E37
16 apr 2026
1:00:32
Speed cameras, AV regulations and Waymo fails
DC speed cameras nail extreme “super violators,” but out-of-state tags and “it wasn’t me driving” excuses help offenders dodge consequences. Autonomous-vehicle companies are accused of misleading lawmakers by touting tiny “latency” numbers while downplaying real-world delays from human-in-the-loop remote operations and refusing to reveal how often remote operators intervene. New traffic-fatality estimates show improvement from the COVID spike, but officials are criticized for taking credit while skipping key tech rules on distraction, impairment, and speed limiting. NTSB warns hands-off systems like Ford BlueCruise can fuel complacency and misuse, urges better driver monitoring, speed limits for automation, and stronger crash data collection. Plus: Colorado’s average-speed cameras, Waymo wrong-way school/drive-thru blunders and more. Support the show! https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/03/28/speed-cameras-dc-scofflaws/ https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-investigation-into-autonomous-vehicle-companies-use-of-remote-assistance-operators-reveals-serious-safety-gaps-lack-of-transparency https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/traffic-deaths-2025-early-estimates-2024-annual https://apnews.com/article/ford-blue-cruise-ntsb-autonomous-crash-00680c04c9201f3967848b6316ff6a90 https://www.motor1.com/news/792050/colorado-automated-speed-limit-cameras/ https://www.ktsa.com/report-waymo-autonomous-vehicle-goes-wrong-way-in-school-zone/ https://www.motorbiscuit.com/video-shows-waymo-robotaxi-failing-at-an-la-drive-thru-in-viral-disaster-way-way-what-you-doin/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V203-3945.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V199-1493.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V204-7221.pdf https://www.motortrend.com/news/stop-sale-recall-2025-2026-chevy-corvette-turn-signal
S4 · E36
9 apr 2026
1:02:46
Human in the loop and better dummies
IIHS data shows bundled driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane support, and rear AEB cut crash claims, even if repairs cost more. It would be great if there were federal standards. New crash-test rules leave Detroit brands behind, while a NYTimes video on women’s higher crash risk highlights the long-standing male-biased dummy problem and the need for more funding, better testing, and improved simulation models. Gaslights, NYC congestion pricing success, 12V vs 48V electrical systems, Nissan Leaf app shutdown anger, and recalls from Hyundai, Toyota and Jeep. Support the show! https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/safety-benefits-stack-up-from-driver-assistance-features https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/not-one-detroit-car-made-130036019.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9hIjMoB5E https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/congestion-pricing-traffic-new-york.html https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/iihs-pushes-improvements-in-crash-avoidance-with-2026-awards https://time.com/article/2026/03/27/what-cities-need-to-consider-before-allowing-self-driving-cars/ https://cleversolarpower.com/48v-vs-12v-battery/ https://www.redwaybattery.com/understanding-the-iec-62133-safety-standard-for-48v-batteries/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-humans-powering-autonomous-vehicle-operations/id1811181944?i=1000758242016 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/14/nissan-leaf-app-shutdown-nissanconnect-ev-app https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V169-9259.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V179-5005.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V766-8727.pdf
S4 · E35
2 apr 2026
1:09:00
Arrest that computer driver!?!? With Phil Koopman.
This week we're joined by Phil Koopman. We dig into Waymo’s safety claims, noting outdated or unsupported references, shifting software stacks, and metrics that can look better simply because vehicles crash while empty. Plus we highlight regulatory and liability gray zones, arguing “remote assistance” still makes safety-critical driving decisions while industry language tries to make nobody accountable, and warns proposed laws could label the ADS as the “driver.” Other topics include a complaint alleging unaccompanied minors ride in AVs, a wrong-way AV incident, rosy media takes on UK AVs, Tesla Semi hype and recalls/investigations involving power seats, rear cameras, and Tesla FSD in poor visibility. Support the show! https://avsc.sae-itc.com/publication/avsc-04-2023 https://cagigunion.org/news/2026/03/17/california-gig-workers-union-files-complaint-against-waymo-for-allegedly-violating-california-permit-by-transporting-unaccompanied-minors/ https://philkoopman.substack.com/p/why-robotaxis-have-an-inherent-3x https://www.kgw.com/article/news/national/watch-driverless-waymo-car-caught-going-wrong-way/507-00a51f30-e0ed-458e-b8d5-85c6dbbce19b https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/utah-lawmakers-approve-legal-framework-120225763.html https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/19/my-ride-in-a-self-driving-taxi-london https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/21/autonomous-vehicles-dc-waymo-ddot/ https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/truckers-tesla-fans-semi-b0a66e6e https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/03/after-hack-some-ignition-interlock-users-couldnt-start-their-own-cars/ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V160-3144.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V173-8909.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V165-2897.pdf
S4 · E34
26 mar 2026
1:13:09
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