Show notes
This week we're joined by Phil Koopman. We dig into Waymo’s safety claims, noting outdated or unsupported references, shifting software stacks, and metrics that can look better simply because vehicles crash while empty. Plus we highlight regulatory and liability gray zones, arguing “remote assistance” still makes safety-critical driving decisions while industry language tries to make nobody accountable, and warns proposed laws could label the ADS as the “driver.” Other topics include a complaint alleging unaccompanied minors ride in AVs, a wrong-way AV incident, rosy media takes on UK AVs, Tesla Semi hype and recalls/investigations involving power seats, rear cameras, and Tesla FSD in poor visibility.
- https://avsc.sae-itc.com/publication/avsc-04-2023
- https://cagigunion.org/news/2026/03/17/california-gig-workers-union-files-complaint-against-waymo-for-allegedly-violating-california-permit-by-transporting-unaccompanied-minors/
- https://philkoopman.substack.com/p/why-robotaxis-have-an-inherent-3x
- https://www.kgw.com/article/news/national/watch-driverless-waymo-car-caught-going-wrong-way/507-00a51f30-e0ed-458e-b8d5-85c6dbbce19b
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/utah-lawmakers-approve-legal-framework-120225763.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/19/my-ride-in-a-self-driving-taxi-london
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/21/autonomous-vehicles-dc-waymo-ddot/
- https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/truckers-tesla-fans-semi-b0a66e6e
- https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/03/after-hack-some-ignition-interlock-users-couldnt-start-their-own-cars/
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V160-3144.pdf
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V173-8909.pdf
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V165-2897.pdf
