Car impairment-detection mandate stalls as federal timetable slips
A federal requirement to equip new cars with impairment-detection devices is facing delays, pushing back the rollout timeline and leaving implementation dates uncertain.
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Auto Safety
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Waymo robotaxi safety review after school-drop-off collision
A Waymo robotaxi hit a child near a Santa Monica elementary school during drop-off; the car detected the child and slowed to about 6 mph before impact, and federal regulators said they’re investigating how the autonomous vehicle handled the incident.
US and China Investigate Tesla Door Handle Safety Issues
US auto safety regulators have launched an investigation into Tesla's door handles, focusing on incidents where exterior handles failed, trapping children inside, especially in Model Y vehicles. The probe follows numerous complaints and recent reports of injuries or deaths due to door malfunctions, with concerns about manual releases being inaccessible to children. The investigation may expand beyond the initial 174,290 SUVs involved.
Toyota and Japanese Carmakers Halt Shipments Amid Safety Scandal
Toyota, Mazda, and other Japanese automakers have halted shipments of some vehicles after Japan's transport ministry found irregularities in safety test data used for certification. The scandal, which also involves Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha, has led to calls for Toyota's chairman to step down and has impacted the companies' stock prices. The misconduct includes manipulated test results and incorrect certification processes, but no performance issues that violate regulations have been found.
Toyota Halts Sales Amid Deepening Safety Scandal
A safety test scandal involving Japanese automakers has widened, leading Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha to halt shipments of certain vehicles after Japan's transport ministry found irregularities in certification applications. The scandal, which also implicates Honda and Suzuki, involves manipulated safety test data and has prompted on-site inspections and shareholder scrutiny. Toyota's shares fell 1.8%, and Mazda's shares dropped 3.3% following the revelations.
"IIHS Study Reveals Widespread Failures in Automaker ADAS Safeguards"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that most partially automated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) from various automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Nissan, received "marginal" or "poor" ratings in a recent study. The study evaluated 14 systems and highlighted deficiencies in categories such as driver monitoring and attention reminders. The IIHS emphasized the need for better safeguards to prevent misuse and maintain driver focus, while also noting that there is little evidence to support the claim that these systems make driving safer. The top-rated systems included Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, GM Super Cruise, and Nissan ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link.
"IIHS Finds Only One Automated Driving System Passes Safety Test"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested 14 partial automated systems and found that only one, Lexus’ Teammate with Advanced Drive, passed their evaluation. The majority were rated poor, with two being marginal. The systems were found to be easily tricked and bad at monitoring driver attention, with some even working when the driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. IIHS noted that all vehicles did well in at least one category, suggesting that fixes may be readily available through software updates.
US Regulators Move Closer to Mandating Anti-Drunk Driving Tech in Cars
US auto safety regulators have taken the first step toward mandating technology in new cars that can detect and prevent drunk or impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) announced an advanced notice to set potential alcohol-impairment detection technology standards in all new passenger vehicles. This move comes as drunk driving crashes claimed the lives of over 13,000 people in 2021. The technology requirement is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021. The NHSTA also launched its annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign to combat drunk driving during the holiday season.
"Ford Escape SUVs Under Investigation for Door Safety Issues"
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints that the doors on some Ford Escapes from the 2020 and 2021 model years can open while the SUVs are being driven. The agency has received 118 complaints of spot weld failures in a door assembly bracket, resulting in 25 reports of minor injuries. Ford is cooperating with the investigation, and the probe will determine if a recall is necessary.