There Auto Be A Law

This week we cover a proposed NHTSA rule for optional cyan exterior marker lamps to identify vehicles operating in autonomous mode and broader updates to lighting standards, while criticizing the lack of federal pre-deployment safety standards for automated driving. It reviews NHTSA’s plan to modernize tire safety via negotiated rulemaking and notes possible conflicts with California low rolling-resistance requirements. Texas robotaxi crash reports involving Tesla and Waymo are debated, emphasizing the need for context and skepticism toward PR safety claims. Additional topics include concerns about insecure freight systems, driverless trucking exemptions, China’s stricter vehicle-safety proposals, and multiple recalls affecting Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Hyundai, and Porsche.

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• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/vehicle-lighting-updates-automated-vehicles
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/move-to-modernize-tire-safety-standards
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/tech-companies/tesla-reports-first-cybercab-crash-as-austin-robotaxi-wreck-totals-increase/ar-AA2fJZ3M
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/nhtsa-s-changing-the-definition-of-a-truck-possibly-encouraging-more-overseas-production/ar-AA2fW5OL
• https://www.wired.com/story/gm-wants-your-car-to-do-your-chores/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaFSD/comments/1xfasex/zoox_v_waymo_v_cybercab/?share_id=l6z9aoUyk14H8TmqZSjM4
• https://electrek.co/2026/10/27/musk-robotaxi-victory-waymo-austin-miles/
• https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/19/WS6ad577c6e4b06d4aa05637e4.html
• https://www.wsj.com/business/driverless-trucks-18-wheeler-aurora-35b89c45
• https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/highway-thieves-are-spoofing-gps-to-steal-millions-in-data-center-bound-cargo/

More links on the site.

A DOT push to purge “woke safety” removes guidance on bike lanes, road diets, speed cameras, and pedestrian/bike info, while debate erupts over measuring deaths per capita vs per miles traveled. NHTSA’s 2027 five-star test list shrinks sharply, blamed on a tiny NCAP budget and new pedestrian tests, raising worries that big trucks/SUVs may be dodging bad scores. Memphis “stroads” show how deadly high-speed urban roads get when crossings are scarce. Tesla’s Roadster hype and “full self-driving” crashes (including a driver asleep) collide with weak driver monitoring, while Waymo’s “10x safer” claim and conflicted research get roasted. Headlight glare and delayed adaptive-beam rules surface, followed by recalls from Hyundai, Toyota, Chrysler, and Ford.

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• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/13/sean-duffy-transportation-deadly-roads
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/model-year-2027-vehicle-testing-5-star-safety-ratings
• https://www.wsj.com/us-news/the-deadly-1-5-mile-corridor-that-shows-the-fatal-flaw-in-americas-road-design-8f424579
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/10/16/elon-musk-flying-roadster-shows-beauty-impractical-innovation/
• https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/what-teslas-flying-roadster-really-means-for-the-global-auto-race-0ede8702
• https://electrek.co/2026/10/16/tesla-fsd-crash-chp-patrol-car-driver-asleep-fairfield/
• https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/five-years-2-million-recalls-still-hitting-police-cars-the-fatal-flaw-inside-teslas-fsd/
• https://basin.la/articles/the-cars-that-hit-it.html
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15389588.2026.2695421

More links on the site.

Crash-avoidance tests show cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups lag on automatic emergency braking—some can’t reliably detect a child dummy—highlighting gaps for vehicles over 10,000 pounds and delays in federal standards. Pedestrian deaths stay stubbornly high while a jaywalking crackdown is criticized as a historic, car-industry-driven scapegoat. Tesla draws fire for a feature that can activate steering-based collision evasion even when driver assist is off, plus marketing retreats to “assisted driving” in Europe. Waymo is mocked for shifting safety rhetoric while real-world mistakes pile up. Also: engine braking basics, fall road tips, and recalls for Mercedes brake hoses, VW ID.4 battery risk, and Ram TPMS and power-steering wiring corrosion.

Donate Today!

• https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/cargo-vans-and-work-pickups-struggle-in-iihs-crash-avoidance-tests
• https://www.autoevolution.com/news/tesla-s-automatic-collision-evasion-is-the-most-controversial-safety-feature-tesla-launched-in-years-275489.html
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/maye-musk-praises-elon-musk-s-safety-first-focus-after-tesla-owner-says-ev-saved-him-and-son-in-crash/ar-AA2e90y9
• https://waymo.com/blog/2026/10/sober-driving-benchmarks/
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/your-car-has-another-way-to-slow-down-what-is-engine-braking/ar-AA2doftp
• https://phl17.com/pennsylvania-news/driving-safety-tips-as-the-leaves-begin-to-fall/
• https://autosafety.org/geo-fence/system-demo.html
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V638-9238.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V630-1770.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V623-3160.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V621-5191.pdf

A correction kicks off: the “A2Send” coalition (AV industry members plus VTTI) is framed as a red-tape-cutting push that really means fewer safety rules. Tesla is criticized for lobbying EU regulators with flimsy “safety” metrics (horn honks and blinkers). A fuel-economy rollback is blasted as a giveaway that won’t cut car prices but will raise lifetime fuel costs.We publish an open geofence-notification spec to help first responders clear streets. Waymo expands teen rides and updates terms with sweeping indemnity, arbitration traps, and teen trip recording. Data privacy worries grow, and recalls.

Support the show!

• https://www.reuters.com/investigations/tesla-is-browbeating-eu-approve-its-full-self-driving-tech-pressure-is-working-2026-10-07/
• https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/president-trump-transportation-secretary-duffy-finalize-freedom-means-affordable-cars
• https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/the-robotaxi-curb-dilemma-park-cruise
• https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/trump-administration-sued-over-fuel-economy-rollback-2026-10-02/
• https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/news/major-victory-public-safety-accountability-oversight-and-emergency-response-standards
• https://github.com/The-Center-for-Auto-Safety/Geo-Fence-Notification
• https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/9184909
• https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/9197501
• https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/22/waymos-latest-expansion-strategy-teenagers/
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/european-cars-are-spying-on-their-drivers-the-same-tech-could-be-coming-to-the-us/ar-AA2c7Qb1
• https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/09/connected-car-data-privacy-is-still-abysmal-study-finds/more on the website.

A deep dive into why “AVs are safer than humans” headlines are shaky: safety studies often ignore changing software, remote-operator roles, empty-vehicle miles that reduce “injury crashes,” selective reporting, weak human-driver baselines (especially COVID-era data), and risk exported to other road users when vehicles stop or phantom brake. The big warning: past performance doesn’t prove safety at massive scale or in new cities with different conditions, and rare fatalities need far more miles to measure. Skepticism also targets closed-door industry “standards” shaping federal rules, plus quick hits on messy recall fixes, rear-camera failures, and an investigation into http://Comma.ai after crashes and fatalities.

• https://avsafety.substack.com/p/a-guide-to-the-limitations-of-robotaxi
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/nhtsa-wants-ideas-fix-recalls-120949573.html
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V605-9379.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V597-1248.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V598-8506.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INOA-PE26007-17274.pdf

A driverless car wanders through a Denver farmers market, and authorities admit there’s no clear way to ticket an empty vehicle. Maybe a Geofence Notice Specification would help?https://github.com/apcimino/Ditlow-Layer/commit/63e703a95447df3804424c1a064d9839649b49eaFederal pedestrian-protection results look grim for U.S. automakers, with most qualifying models coming from Asian brands. Emergency hotlines for self-driving operators often fail, raising doubts about remote help and the need for passenger emergency controls. Concerns over reclined or rotated seating in future AVs plus recalls

Support the show!

• https://www.9news.com/article/news/community/transportation/waymo-drives-denver-farmers-market-no-law/73-a55cac7b-9c76-4003-896b-1dd5ad162dea
• https://www.autopilotwatch.com/analysis/the-fsd-death-toll
• https://www.teslarati.com/why-automakers-keep-turning-down-elon-musks-tesla-full-self-driving-offer/
• https://autos.yahoo.com/safety-and-recalls/articles/nhtsa-says-102-cars-meet-182521601.html
• https://www.wired.com/story/meet-the-academics-trying-to-stop-you-from-having-sex-in-robotaxis/
• https://www.wired.com/story/how-self-driving-cars-might-change-crash-testing-forever/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TZFcyzGEiY
• https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/ford-ceo-jim-farley-disputes-131135101.html
• https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-09/NHTSA-260820-001_Signed.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V590-6184.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V587-5272.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V588-5849.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V599-8186.pdf

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.

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• 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.htmlmore 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.

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• 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-2022-1more 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=I3VnjQqbsnEmore 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