There Auto Be A Law New NHTSA, same as the old NHTSA?
Jul 10, 2025
Fred shares entertaining tales from Germany, highlighting the stark difference in automotive culture and public safety. The discussion dives into the NHTSA's challenges amid industry lobbying, raising questions about the safety of autonomous vehicles like Waymo and Tesla. They tackle the dangers of touchscreen distractions in cars and reflect on successful safety initiatives like New York City's congestion pricing. With anecdotes about biking in Germany, the conversation emphasizes the need for stricter regulations to enhance road safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
NHTSA's Enforcement Under Threat
- NHTSA's ability to enforce safety regulations may weaken under industry pressure and budget cuts.
- This threatens enforcement on issues like automatic emergency braking and autonomous vehicle safety.
Doubt Over Autonomous Miles Data
- Autonomous vehicle industry claims lack transparency and credible data.
- Miles driven autonomously are inflated and lack clear definitions, undermining safety claims.
Prioritize Tech Over Behavior Change
- Focus on effective technology like in-car systems to prevent drunk and distracted driving.
- Avoid relying solely on behavioral change or enforcement as they are slow and often ineffective.