There Auto Be A Law

Center for Auto Safety
  • 4.5 (10)
  • 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. Automated Gullibility

    3D AGO

    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.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylbvU-lmcpIhttps://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-connecticuthttps://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-AA20RunGhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V218-6077.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V216-4969.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V209-1445.pdf

    1h 1m
  2. Speed cameras, AV regulations and Waymo fails

    APR 9

    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-transparencyhttps://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/traffic-deaths-2025-early-estimates-2024-annualhttps://apnews.com/article/ford-blue-cruise-ntsb-autonomous-crash-00680c04c9201f3967848b6316ff6a90https://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.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V199-1493.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V204-7221.pdfhttps://www.motortrend.com/news/stop-sale-recall-2025-2026-chevy-corvette-turn-signal

    1h 3m
  3. Human in the loop and better dummies

    APR 2

    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-featureshttps://www.aol.com/lifestyle/not-one-detroit-car-made-130036019.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9hIjMoB5Ehttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/congestion-pricing-traffic-new-york.htmlhttps://www.iihs.org/news/detail/iihs-pushes-improvements-in-crash-avoidance-with-2026-awardshttps://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=1000758242016https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/14/nissan-leaf-app-shutdown-nissanconnect-ev-apphttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V169-9259.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V179-5005.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V766-8727.pdf

    1h 9m
  4. Arrest that computer driver!?!? With Phil Koopman.

    MAR 26

    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-04-2023https://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-3xhttps://www.kgw.com/article/news/national/watch-driverless-waymo-car-caught-going-wrong-way/507-00a51f30-e0ed-458e-b8d5-85c6dbbce19bhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/utah-lawmakers-approve-legal-framework-120225763.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/19/my-ride-in-a-self-driving-taxi-londonhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/21/autonomous-vehicles-dc-waymo-ddot/https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/truckers-tesla-fans-semi-b0a66e6ehttps://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.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V173-8909.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V165-2897.pdf

    1h 13m
  5. Waymo's People Problem

    MAR 19

    Waymo's People Problem

    A record number of people are fleeing crash scenes, false claims about the accuracy of passive alcohol detection and we explore Waymo's problem with people outside the vehicle. Waymo customers have been getting surrounded and stuck by people that do not like Waymo. Not sure a software update can fix this. More and recalls. Support the show! https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/03/fatal-hit-and-run-crashes-reach-record-high-aaa-foundation-study-finds/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a70769064/nhtsa-to-congress-advanced-impaired-driving-detection-technology-not-ready/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/04/self-driving-car-technology-tesla-crash/686054/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/17/technology/trapped-inside-a-self-driving-car-during-an-anti-robot-attack.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/17/business/self-driving-semi-trucks-texas-us.htmlhttps://www.iihs.org/news/detail/lets-prioritize-safety-in-the-vehicles-that-power-our-economyhttps://interestingengineering.com/energy/donut-lab-solid-state-verge-motorcycle-battery-testhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V128-5701.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V135-2222.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V138-8349.pdf

    1h 4m
  6. How AV companies are stalling—and not just their cars!

    MAR 12

    How AV companies are stalling—and not just their cars!

    The NTSB investigation of a Santa Monica school-zone crash raises questions about remote “assistance” that looks like a human driving task, while San Francisco records show robotaxis stalling and turning police and firefighters into unpaid roadside help. We dismantles media claims that AVs are clearly safer, arguing the cited studies rely on old, limited Waymo data, questionable benchmarks, and company-authored “peer review.” Fear mongering around driver monitoring, Tesla and railroads, recalls and more. Support the show! https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY26FH008.aspxhttps://www.fastcompany.com/91501807/waymo-robotaxis-san-francisco-uncovered-records-exclusivehttps://futurism.com/advanced-transport/emergency-responders-roadside-assistance-waymohttps://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/federal-surveillance-tech-becomes-mandatory-161321992.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/technology/us-seeks-comment-zoox-petition-deploy-robotaxis-without-steering-wheels-2026-03-10/https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/03/05/study-academics-agree-avs-will-super-charge-vmt-driving-car-dependence-autonomous-vehicles-waymohttps://www.iihs.org/api/datastoredocument/bibliography/2357https://electrek.co/2026/03/09/tesla-fsd-drives-through-railroad-crossing-barriers-viral-video/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V117-4642.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V123-2100.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V124-0858.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V112-2534.pdf

    58 min
  7. Waymo's Failed U-turn: A Spin on an Emergency

    MAR 5

    Waymo's Failed U-turn: A Spin on an Emergency

    Waymo's school bus trouble gets investigated by the NTSB. Was it the fault of remote assistance, the Waymo driver or everyone else? Maybe Waymo's PR team will take a break - they deserve it - and Waymo will give an honest account of it's shortcomings. In Austin Waymo fails at a U-turn and makes a cop move their car. Destination charges are getting out of hand, China is beating the US at AV safety rules, Arkansas has dangerous PIT maneuvers, recalls and more. Support the show! https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/ntsb-says-waymo-robotaxis-illegally-passed-stopped-school-buses-in-new-incidents/ar-AA1XsFvUhttps://www.autoevolution.com/news/waymo-robotaxi-blocks-first-responders-in-austin-mass-shooting-raising-fresh-questions-about-safety-266511.htmlhttps://www.kxan.com/news/austin-mass-shooting/video-waymo-seen-blocking-first-responders-during-west-sixth-shooting/https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/most-and-least-expensive-car-destination-charges-a1173758325/https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/02/24/breaking-news/carmakers-push-toward-eyes-off-driving-despite-safety-liability-questions/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/feb/27/arkansas-state-trooper-used-pit-maneuver-on-car/https://www.jalopnik.com/2111787/denmark-red-streetlights-doing-more-than-saving-energy/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V104-9142.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V105-1574.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V106-8604.pdf

    1h 3m
  8. Sue the Computer?

    FEB 26

    Sue the Computer?

    Congressional questions spotlight how Waymo downplays remote control by calling humans “assistants,” even while describing tools that remotely drive car at low speed—raising debates about who counts as the driver, latency, transparency, and who is legally accountable when people are hurt. Fred dives into the world of ODD and how AV companies don't want it defined. Plus recalls. Support the show! https://assets.ctfassets.net/7ijaobx36mtm/7E5uOzS5F7Z1yuFoz27BIc/680a27f89a3aae48977db655a5f45005/Sen._Markey_RA_Letter_Waymo__Response.pdfhttps://junkoyoshidaparis.substack.com/p/why-does-waymos-lexicon-prefer-assistantshttps://junkoyoshidaparis.substack.com/p/never-trust-another-drivereven-ifhttps://electrek.co/2026/02/19/tesla-admits-needs-drivers-and-remote-operators-argues-better-than-waymo/https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/news/2026/02/24/tesla-sues-california-autopilot-false-advertising/88840398007/https://electrek.co/2026/02/23/tesla-nhtsa-fsd-traffic-violation-investigation-second-extension/https://www.theverge.com/transportation/882993/donut-labs-solid-state-battery-charge-speed-vtt-testhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V081-3468.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V080-7320.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V085-3557.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V101-7237.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V090-1523.pdf

    1h 2m
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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
    197
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Center for Auto Safety
  • Show Website
    There Auto Be A Law

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