There Auto Be A Law

Hosted by Center for Auto Safety

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214

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Aug 2026

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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.

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September 10, 20261 hr 0 min

Cybercab Chaos

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

September 3, 202658 min

Exploding Sunroofs

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

August 27, 20261 hr 3 min

China: Leading in safety

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

August 20, 20261 hr 12 min

Waymo is 5.5 times worse than a human driver

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

August 13, 20261 hr 6 min

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.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

August 6, 20261 hr 9 min

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-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

July 30, 20261 hr 10 min

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-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

July 23, 20261 hr 4 min

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-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

July 16, 202658 min

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-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

July 9, 20261 hr 8 min

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.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.

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