There Auto Be A Law
Podcast Archive
Our podcast discusses 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 industry.
NCAP update, GM goes big, AM radio frightens Fred and Operation Cave Bear
NHTSA updates their new car assessment program to take pedestrians into account. Fred explains why simulations are not enough to make Autonomous Vehicles road worthy. Nearly half of all vehicle passengers killed on U.S. roads in 2021 were not wearing a seat belt. An update on the Hyundai/Kia/TikTok car theft problem. GM thinks a massive…
The recall of 67 million airbag inflators
This week we try out some new transcription software. Part of what it does is summarize an episode. How’s this take away: Donate to help patent Fred’s therapy for his traumatic brain injury caused by a bumper car. If this is the future, we’ve got nothing to worry about. But you should still donate: https://www.autosafety.org/support-us/…
Right to Repair or pleasure to be charged
Your car is a computer on wheels that the auto manufacturers won’t let you repair. Apple co-founder says Tesla is an example of AI that is trying to kill you. Waymo doesn’t understand road flares, Cruise blames their safety driver, something called a Fred light plus Recall Roundup and the Consumer Autonomous Vehicle Bill of…
Stay dangerous and let Peaches drive
A dust storm causes crashes in Illinois, Anthony worries about groceries becoming projectiles, Cruise and Waymo cause laughs, Tesla’s lawyers pretend Elon didn’t say what Elon said and Fred continues with the Consumer AV Bill of Rights. Plus the tank story. Mentioned Links https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/05/01/illinois-dust-storm-i55-crash/ https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/tech/2023/04/29/waymo-autonomous-vehicles-stall-on-roads-for-safety-company-says/70160877007/ https://techxplore.com/news/2023-04-taxi-possibly-wrong.html https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/tesla-cleared-by-jury-in-autopilot-crash-suit-in-los-angeles/ar-AA1aangb https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/27/23700339/tesla-autopilot-lawsuit-2018-elon-musk-claims-deepfakes https://www.autosafety.org/av-bill-of-rights/ https://www.autosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AV-Pilot-Program-Comment-Final.pdf https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4429695
Almost everything you wanted to know about EV batteries
We are joined by special guests Chi-Hao Chang – Associate Research Scientist at Dow and John McKeen – Technical Director, Dow Mobility Science. They walk us through the depths of EV batteries, thermal runaway, EV battery fires and most importantly Fred has people to geek out with. Channel your inner science-self and download this one…
Rear occupant safety with Marcy Edwards from IIHS
This week we have special guest Marcy Edwards of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). She talks us through child safety issues, back seat safety issues and answers Anthony’s ridiculous question about crash testing his own car. https://www.iihs.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@iihs-hldi Also we have an update about Fred and the tank story. Stay tuned for that…
The Double Whammy
This week we discuss the EPA mandate for electric vehicles and how the safety issue of vehicle weight is ignored. And since most people now drive trucks cars are getting even heavier. Also, we visit the world of Autonomous Vehicles and check in with Auroa, mildly praise and mildly shame Kyle from Cruise, Fred covers…
Weight vs range and greedy, lazy auto companies
GM Cruise is getting the old hit and run treatment. Who do you talk to after hitting a car driving without any occupants? How much range do we need in EV batteries? Lighter cars are safer but more range equals heavier, more dangerous, batteries. Want a round steering wheel from Tesla? Good luck. GM says…
Never crack the paint
Amazing guest this week – Joanna L. Johnson. She runs us through the issues with Hyundai/Kia oil leaks – the drain plug falls out. Sorry, I gave away the ending. Joanna explains what every car owner should do – save all of your service records and maybe get a prescription for Beta blockers. OK the…