This week we cover recent controversies surrounding Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, revealing how manual interventions and YouTuber feedback fuel the myth of advanced AI automation and into the broader issues of automotive safety, discussing open-source software's pitfalls and the potential cybersecurity risks in modern vehicles. Other highlights include varied recalls from manufacturers like GM, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and Lucid.

Links:

• https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/tesla-self-driving-bias-musk-and-influencers-get-priority-in-autonomous-driving-ai-development/
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/06/27/tesla-death-wife-lawsuit-damages/
• https://www.popsci.com/technology/self-cleaning-tesla/
• https://jalopnik.com/fan-boy-finally-criticizes-tesla-after-2-broken-tesla-c-1851573471
• https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/6/24193094/phoenix-waymo-car-pulled-over-traffic-stop-oncoming-lane-police
• https://gothamist.com/news/jfk-airports-newest-ride-not-planes-but-self-driving-shuttles
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V491-8985.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V498-2475.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V482-8101.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V486-3579.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V493-4480.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V497-2271.PDF
• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/

This is a rerun. In this episode guests Dr. Jeff Wishart and Phil Koopman explain the history of autonomous vehicles, why safety is really really hard, that human drivers are not bad and that it is pure speculation if a self driving car will ever be safer than a human.

The Auto Industry is once again against safety and is fighting NHTSA on Automatic Emergency Braking rules. Specifically the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and John Bozzella, for claiming new AEB rules are 'impossible' to implement while also admitting that they are in use today. Michael takes apart ARK Investments for their ridiculous take on Telsa and we delve into recalls with another entry from a Tesla CyberTruck.

This weeks links:

• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/auto-industry-pleads-with-biden-administration-to-reconsider-automatic-braking-rule/ar-BB1oOpy3
• https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/designers-must-make-vehicles-safe-for-everyone--not-just-drivers-and-passengers
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2024-Q1-traffic-fatality-estimates
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/06/25/cruise-gm-new-ceo-marc-whitten/
• https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/nhtsa-urged-to-get-toxic-flame-retardant-chemicals-out-of-cars/
• https://safeintheseat.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-flame-retardants-in-car-seats/
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/13069a-ads2.0_090617_v9a_tag.pdf
• https://www.ark-invest.com/articles/valuation-models/arks-tesla-price-target-2029
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V442-3110.PDF
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/toyota-issues-a-recall-and-stop-sale-for-the-grand-highlander-and-lexus-tx/ar-BB1oFrU6
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V445-2784.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V444-2781.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V456-3775.PDF

Waymo issued a recall after a RoboTaxi crash into a telephone pole. We delve into the complexity of validating software updates for autonomous cars and how Waymo is gaslighting us. IISH has a survey showing driver support for anti-speeding technologies. Fred shares safety tips for proper seating in vehicles, emphasizing the importance of seatbelt use and correct seating positions. Plus self driving cars in China and recalls.

This weeks links:

• https://www.autosafety.org/av-bill-of-rights/
• https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/12/24175489/waymo-recall-telephone-poll-crash-phoenix-software-map
• https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/most-drivers-would-be-ok-with-anti-speeding-tech-in-vehicles-survey-shows
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/china-driverless-cars.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/business/china-driverless-car-safety.html
• https://safetycaseframework.aurora.tech/gsn
• https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/left-turn-dangers-city-streets-4cbde78f
• https://jalopnik.com/alpine-s-a290-electric-hot-hatch-will-teach-you-to-driv-1851537628
• https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/right-way-to-sit-behind-the-wheel-of-a-car/
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24E049-1733.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V418-3398.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V436-3057.PDF

This weeks we start with rising trends in high-speed police chases resulting in crashes and deaths, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on when such pursuits should occur. We critique European vs. U.S. safety standards and explore advanced technology such as 'license plate trackers' and police tools for remotely stopping cars. Gaslight section covers criticisms of companies like GM Cruise and Waymo. Plus recalls.

This weeks links:

• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/
• https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/11/24176206/gm-cruise-invest-850-million-operational-cost-houston
• https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/fatal-police-chases-ny-death-19369809.php
• https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/ny-police-car-chases-increase-19369787.php
• https://www.vox.com/policy/354561/pedestrian-fatalities-car-safety-ratings
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/volvo-says-users-can-track-source-of-battery-metals-in-its-evs-54f6e4f7
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/rules-road-heard-low-rolling-100000539.html
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V407-5130.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V400-2357.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2024/INOA-PE24017-13334.pdf

Mississippian Michael Brooks faces the fact that more car crashes happen in the South. But the data is a bit suspect as Massachusetts seems not to live up to it's reputation. Also Japanese automakers Toyota, Mazda, and Honda mishandling vehicle safety tests. This week Fred examines Tesla’s ambitious yet problematic GigaCasting manufacturing process and its implications on vehicle safety and repair costs. The hosts conclude with several nominations for 'Gaslight of the Week' and discuss the rising concerns over automated driving technology and vehicle manufacturing shortcuts that impact safety. +1 if you could tell that the last sentence was written by AI.

This weeks links:

• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/
• https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/where-do-most-car-accidents-happen.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/business/japan-toyota-testing-investigation.html
• https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/03/gms-cruise-is-testing-robotaxis-in-dallas-again/
• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/advisory-underride-guard
• https://jalopnik.com/gm-hopes-a-clutch-pedal-is-enough-to-make-enthusiasts-b-1851498673
• https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/01/tesla-retreats-from-next-generation-gigacasting-manufacturing-process.html
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V372-1533.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V376-3527.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V381-6004.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V368-8061.PDF

California is proposing a bill to alert drivers to their speeding. Anthony suggests automatic tickets. Elon doesn't understand data or is flat out lying about the safety of Autopilot. Remote controlled trains remind us of GM Cruise. Miles per Gallon is not as helpful a measure as gallons per 100 miles and we discuss why AV companies don't follow the Department of Transportation's Technology Readiness Levels... which they helped write.

Mentioned Links:

• https://amp.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/21/electric-cars-more-likely-to-hit-pedestrians-than-petrol-vehicles-study-finds
• https://www.popsci.com/technology/cars-speeding-beeping/
• https://gizmodo.com/tesla-ev-autopilot-driver-assistance-safety-elon-musk-1851496656
• https://jalopnik.com/teslas-full-self-driving-isnt-doesnt-understand-new-yor-1851493822
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/us/train-safety-crashes-union.html
• https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/350382/gas-mileage-fuel-economy-mpg-gphm-gas-guzzlers
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2024/INIM-PE24016-13047.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V358-2557.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V361-1152.PDF

Artificial Intelligence is the pet rock of today... if the pet rock could hallucinate a term paper. Or in the case of auto safety cause stockholders to hallucinate a future where Tesla creates a robotaxi. This week Tesla is sued for fraud (clutches pearls) and a Waymo drives drunk through Phoenix. Congress goes after auto makers for handing over all of your data without a subpoena and using slave labor. In a new feature focused on gaslighting we talk about the nonsense from Jeff Farah, shill for the AV industry. Plus some recalls.

This weeks links:

• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/opinion/artificial-intelligence-ai-openai-chatgpt-overrated-hype.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/20/business/economy/senate-bmw-volkswagen-jaguar-land-rover-xinjiang.html
• https://www.autoblog.com/2024/05/15/lawmakers-call-out-eight-automakers-for-sharing-connected-vehicle-data/
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/technology/regulators-investigate-carmakers-driver-tracking.html
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/driverless-waymo-vehicle-glitches-while-driving-in-metro-phoenix-watch-the-video/ar-BB1mCGHo
• https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/tesla-must-face-fraud-suit-for-claiming-its-cars-could-fully-drive-themselves/
• https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/05/on-self-driving-waymo-is-playing-chess-while-tesla-plays-checkers/
• https://www.kuow.org/stories/whats-sending-the-first-generation-electric-cars-to-an-early-grave
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V345-1575.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V349-6099.PDF

Waymo keeps running into things and now NHTSA is investigating. Fred proposes a graduated licensing process for autonomous vehicles. 60 minutes Australia compiles a list of Elon Musk stating how self driving is ready next year but that next year never comes... maybe he's just a salesman? Tesla's automation software has been involved in 467 crashes, 13 of them fatal... and that is just in a 15 month period. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

This weeks links:

• https://www.autosafety.org/av-bill-of-rights/
• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/
• https://ieeetv.ieee.org/channels/ssit/self-driving-cars-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly
• https://apnews.com/article/selfdriving-vehicles-automated-government-investigations-0b43be102688f66590e6b9e76c0f5939
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2024/INOA-PE24016-12382.pdf
• https://www.getcruise.com/news/blog/2024/cruise-resumes-supervised-autonomous-driving-with-safety-drivers/
• https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-autopilot-probe-us-prosecutors-focus-securities-wire-fraud-2024-05-08/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHtagqxPkI
• https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/new-report-imports-top-list-americas-most-stolen-vehicles
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V321-1338.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V318-2050.PDF
• https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:d3f5e019-b65e-11ec-b6f4-01aa75ed71a1.0001.01/DOC_1&format=DOC
• https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:d3f5e019-b65e-11ec-b6f4-01aa75ed71a1.0001.01/DOC_2&format=DOC
• https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-48g

That scrappy Tesla is still in the news for safety issues. NHTSA has requested more data about their Autopilot recall from December. With over 20 crashes since then there are some questions that need to be answered. And the DOJ and SEC are investigating them about their self driving claims. Drunk driving has been increasing but enforcement has declined. We discuss solutions that are available today but that manufacturers and Congress don't want to act on. Aurora is ready to put there self driving semi's on the road and this inspires Fred to come up with a new business idea. Michael suggests that the EPA regulate the fire retardants in cars so that we don't get exposed to horrible chemicals. Plus Recall Roundup.

This Weeks Links

• https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/
• https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2024-05-08/exclusive-in-tesla-autopilot-probe-us-prosecutors-focus-on-securities-wire-fraud
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2024/05/04/tesla-autopilot-recall-crashes-deaths-nhtsa/
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/05/07/tesla-autopilot-investigation-why-remedy-didnt-work/abb4dba6-0c61-11ef-ae0a-a6870885518d_story.html
• https://apnews.com/article/trucks-selfdriving-highways-automation-driver-083409631158f54d806d75309c4764e2
• https://apnews.com/article/selfdriving-semi-aurora-safety-autonomous-80a48dd862c33c62ad4284f0cf7591b5
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/drunken-driving-deaths-are-up-why-are-dui-arrests-down/ar-AA1o2mQA
• https://www.fastcompany.com/91120201/carcinogen-cars-interior-flame-retardant-chemicals
• https://ieeetv.ieee.org/channels/ssit/self-driving-cars-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V298-1454.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V304-6178.PDF
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V308-1849.PDF