Keen On America

How Evil 'Big Car' Has Killed More People Than World War II

Sep 6, 2025
David Obst, a former investigative reporter and author of "Saving Ourselves From Big Car," reveals shocking truths about the auto industry. He argues that lead in gasoline has caused more deaths than World War II, a claim that raises eyebrows. Obst also insists electric vehicles aren't a safe alternative due to lead in their batteries, citing incidents like Tesla fires. He critiques ‘Big Car’ for hiding the dangers of lead for decades, advocating for a future without cars by highlighting successful car-free communities as models for urban living.
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ANECDOTE

Granddaughter Sparked The Investigation

  • David Obst recounts his granddaughter telling him "you are the traffic," which sparked his investigation into car dependence.
  • He researched how Americans became addicted to cars and traced cultural and industry influences over decades.
INSIGHT

Leaded Gasoline's Deadly Legacy

  • Obst claims the Ethel Corporation added lead to gasoline starting in 1927 to make engines run smoother.
  • He argues World Health Organization data ties decades of airborne lead to more deaths than World War II.
INSIGHT

EVs Aren't Automatically Clean

  • Obst warns electric vehicles currently use lead-based batteries that create pollution risks.
  • He cites a Southern California fire where exploding Teslas released lead into the environment as an example.
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