Zoox and NHTSA sitting in a tree...

A sharp, skeptical rundown of how federal regulators are easing the path for autonomous vehicles—highlighting a Zoox exemption from key occupant-protection standards, a thinly funded industry-led push for AV “performance standards,” and a Congress bill framed as safety but criticized as preempting state oversight. Plus a “freedom cars” proposal to block mandates for connectivity. We argue that privacy should be fixed by banning data sales, not by ditching safety-enabling tech. Real-world robotaxi risks for blind minors and riders with mobility issues get spotlighted, plus more and recalls.

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• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/cutting-red-tape-safely-fast-track-automated-vehicle
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/31/2026-15485/zoox-grant-of-temporary-exemption-from-portions-of-various-requirements-of-the-federal-motor-vehicle
• https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2026/07/29/waymo-meltdowns-revive-av-lobbying-fight-01015521
• https://www.jalopnik.com/2227747/sean-duffy-freedom-cars-data-bonded/
• https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/cars/driver-assistance-technology-dashboard-ead96bd2
• https://electrek.co/2026/08/03/tesla-fsd-v14-lite-hw3-computer-failures/
• https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/business/uber-sexual-assault-lawsuits.html
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V481-9237.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V487-9835.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V489-5381.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E050-7856.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E051-5250.pdf
• https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V495-1973.pdf