There Auto Be A Law

Are other drivers safe? Warning other road users about your distractions.

Oct 30, 2025
The hosts dive into serious automotive safety concerns, discussing alarming counterfeit airbag issues leading to fatalities. Tesla's controversial driving modes spark debate about responsibility in automation. They also tackle drowsy driving, suggesting innovative detection tech could greatly reduce risks. The idea of cars warning other drivers about hazardous behavior is proposed, aiming for a more defensive road environment. Plus, quirky anecdotes about squirrels causing vehicle damage add a lighthearted touch amidst the grave topics.
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ANECDOTE

Airbag Warning Caught By Driver

  • Anthony Simino discovered an airbag warning on his 2020 car and contacted the dealer after seeing a dashboard message.
  • Fred Perkins praised built-in diagnostics for detecting safety-system failures so owners can get repairs.
INSIGHT

Imported Counterfeit Airbags Kill People

  • Counterfeit airbag inflators from China have ruptured and killed at least six people, prompting an NHTSA probe.
  • Michael Brooks warned consumers to get crash repairs only from reputable shops and verify parts' sources.
INSIGHT

Regulatory Void Around Replacement Airbags

  • NHTSA lacks specific certification requirements for replacement airbags despite existing military standards.
  • Fred Perkins urged engineering analysis before assigning blame because inflator failure can be influenced by downstream assembly factors.
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