Each week I bring you the top stories in the auto industry along with my commentary or sometimes amusing thoughts about the craziness that goes on in the world of cars.
Stories you’ll find today:
- The Sign Version of “Don’t Make Me Pull This Car Over”
- Waymo: The Best Getaway Driver Ever
- California vs. Common Sense, Round 847
- Trailer Fireworks Show Was Not on the Schedule
The Sign Version of “Don’t Make Me Pull This Car Over.” If you've driven through Texas lately and noticed speed limit signs with a red border around them, congratulations—you've discovered the state's version of "I'm serious this time." The signs don't carry a higher fine, trigger automatic tickets, or mean police suddenly got a raise. They're simply used in areas where the speed limit drops significantly, and drivers have developed a habit of pretending not to notice. Texas uses them as a final warning after other signs have already alerted drivers that a lower speed zone is coming up. Studies found the red-bordered signs reduced speeding in those transition areas, which is apparently proof that making a sign look angrier actually works. Texas transportation officials say the bright red border is intended to grab attention and remind drivers that the new speed limit starts right here, right now. The takeaway is simple: the red border doesn't mean the law changed—it means Texas got tired of asking nicely. Because if the regular speed limit sign is your first warning, the red-bordered one is basically the highway version of your mother slowly counting to three.
Waymo: The Best Getaway Driver Ever. A suspected burglar in San Francisco is reportedly still at large after reportedly using a Waymo robotaxi to make a clean getaway. Police say a suspected burglar made off with a bunch of clothing from a yoga shop - the waiting getaway car, a white Jaguar Waymo. You'd think the burglar could be easily trackable being in a Waymo and all. After all, the self-driving vehicles are loaded with cameras that record their surroundings plus riders need an account. But no, so far that hasn't been the case. According to reports, Waymo no longer had the interior video footage of the vehicle by the time police filed a search warrant for info. Police also reportedly say the Waymo user's account info also did not help lead them to a suspect.
California vs. Common Sense, Round 847. California regulators are considering new standards that could affect the availability of some replacement tires sold in the state. Supporters say the proposal is designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions by encouraging the use of lower rolling-resistance tires. Critics argue the rules could reduce consumer choice and make it harder to find certain enthusiast-oriented tires that prioritize grip and performance over efficiency. The proposal remains under review, but it has already generated significant opposition from automotive enthusiasts and industry groups. The takeaway is simple: regulators see efficiency gains, while enthusiasts see fewer choices. Because whenever government officials start talking about tire rolling resistance, car people start wondering whether somebody is measuring fun, too.
Trailer Fireworks Show Was Not on the Schedule. Drivers on a Tennessee highway got an unexpected fireworks display when a trailer loaded with fireworks caught fire and began launching its contents in every direction. According to reports, the trailer ignited while being towed, and before long, fireworks were exploding across the roadway, creating a scene that looked more like a Fourth of July celebration than a traffic incident. Authorities quickly shut down the area while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and keep motorists at a safe distance. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the incident created major traffic delays and plenty of viral video footage. The takeaway is simple: fireworks are impressive when they're launched intentionally, from a safe distance, and with a crowd expecting them. When they're going off from the back of a burning trailer in the middle of traffic, it's a reminder that some shows are better left unscheduled.
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