There Auto Be A Law

Center for Auto Safety
  • 4.5 (11)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

A discussion on auto safety issues and technological developments, in hopes of providing consumers and enthusiasts with a better understanding of modern vehicles, safety systems, and current issues in the auto industry.

  1. 2d ago

    Flock Cameras, Duct Tape and People are Safer than Waymo

    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.htmlhttps://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-1522236chttps://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.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V511-8251.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V507-2774.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V508-6656.pdf

    Flock Cameras, Duct Tape and People are Safer than Waymo

  2. Aug 6

    Zoox and NHTSA sitting in a tree...

    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-vehiclehttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/31/2026-15485/zoox-grant-of-temporary-exemption-from-portions-of-various-requirements-of-the-federal-motor-vehiclehttps://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2026/07/29/waymo-meltdowns-revive-av-lobbying-fight-01015521https://www.jalopnik.com/2227747/sean-duffy-freedom-cars-data-bonded/https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/cars/driver-assistance-technology-dashboard-ead96bd2https://electrek.co/2026/08/03/tesla-fsd-v14-lite-hw3-computer-failures/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/business/uber-sexual-assault-lawsuits.htmlhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V481-9237.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V487-9835.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V489-5381.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E050-7856.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E051-5250.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V495-1973.pdf

    Zoox and NHTSA sitting in a tree...

  3. Jul 30

    Navigating Autonomous Risks

    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-01013227https://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-waymohttps://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-department-launches-new-initiative-using-ai-modernizehttps://www.iihs.org/news/detail/waymos-driverless-cars-crash-less-often-than-peoplehttps://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-AA28HHGChttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V468-6532.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V470-7045.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V458-5745.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V473-2438.pdf

    Navigating Autonomous Risks

  4. Jul 23

    Emergency! Robotaxis in the Way.

    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-AA28nqRbhttps://www.ghsa.org/resource-hub/waymo-first-responder-av-traininghttps://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-AA27NXOMhttps://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/fhwa-removes-bike-lanes-speed-cameras-safety-measures-list/825538/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V441-0046.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V451-5134.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V452-5146.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E044-9233.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V448-4416.pdf

    Emergency! Robotaxis in the Way.

  5. Jul 16

    Edge Cases with Phil Koopman

    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-dangerhttps://philkoopman.substack.com/p/nhtsa-broadens-scope-of-acceptablehttps://avsafety.substack.com/p/edge-cases-and-the-long-tail-of-safetyhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-junko-on-av-safety/id1894854190https://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.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V423-4353.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V421-4385.pdf

    Edge Cases with Phil Koopman

  6. Jul 9

    Waymo's Firework Fiasco

    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.htmlhttps://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-firework-fire-san-francisco-22333244.phphttps://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/dozens-waymos-clog-presidio-july-142239118.htmlhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/bay-area-teen-waymo-riders-nabbed-for-allegedly-shooting-projectiles-from-robotaxi/ar-AA27pze0More links on the site.

    Waymo's Firework Fiasco

  7. Jul 2

    We don't need no stinkin' brake pedals

    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-2e917ebdhttps://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-AA26xoGuhttps://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-rcna351690https://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-14e2878chttps://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.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V399-0136.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V393-3335.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V402-1380.pdf

    We don't need no stinkin' brake pedals

  8. Jun 25

    Ford's Record Recall Marathon

    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.htmlhttps://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2028https://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.htmlhttps://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-cruisehttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E035-7637.pdfhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/recalls/2026/06/20/car-recall-leaders-2026-ford-stellantis/90611355007/More recalls on the website.

    Ford's Record Recall Marathon
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About

A discussion on auto safety issues and technological developments, in hopes of providing consumers and enthusiasts with a better understanding of modern vehicles, safety systems, and current issues in the auto industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Center for Auto Safety
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    212
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Center for Auto Safety
  • Show Website
    There Auto Be A Law

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