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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