Hackers Discover that Vulnerabilities are Rife in the Auto Industry
If you purchased a new car in the past few years, chances are good that it contains at least one embedded modem, which it uses to offer some connected services. The benefits are numerous and include convenience features like interior preheating on a cold morning, diagnostics that warn of failures before they happen, and safety features like teen driver monitoring.
In 2015 a pair of researchers proved they could remotely disable a Jeep Cherokee while it was being driven, via an exploit in the SUV's infotainment system. Since then, security flaws have been found in some cars' Wi-Fi networks, NFC keys and Bluetooth, and in third-party telematics systems.
Toward the end of 2022, a researcher named Sam Curry tested the security of various automakers and telematics systems and discovered security holes and vulnerabilities seemingly wherever he looked. The somewhat encouraging news is that the hackers' discoveries resulted in the affected companies fixing their flaws.
NHTSA: Car Crashes Cost Americans $340B, or $1,035 Per person
A comprehensive study released by the NHTSA found that vehicle crashes cost American society $340 billion in 2019.
The study calculated the total societal cost of car crashes, borne by every American, not just those directly involved in car crashes. The total translates to $1,035 in extra costs incurred by each and every American due to increased medical and automotive insurance premiums for everyone, property damage, lost market productivity, and increased taxes to fund public services like first responders.
“This report drives home just how devastating traffic crashes are for families and the economic burden they place on society,” Ann Carlson, NHTSA’s Acting Administrator, said in a statement.
A Measured Approach Toward Integration, with a Focus on Clients
Wheels Donlen LeasePlan is taking a measured approach toward integration - with a focus on giving clients what they’re used to while developing new technologies they are going to need.
NTSB Head Warns of Risks Posed by Heavy Electric Vehicles Colliding With Lighter Cars
In a speech to the Transportation Research Board, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy, raised the issue of safety risks that heavy electric vehicles pose if they collide with lighter vehicles.
"I'm concerned about the increased risk of severe injury and death for all road users from heavier curb weights and increasing size, power, and performance of vehicles on our roads, including electric vehicles," Homendy said in remarks prepared for the group.
Homendy noted that Ford's F-150 Lightning EV pickup is 2,000 to 3,000 pounds (900 to 1,350 kilograms) heavier than the same model's combustion version. The Mustang Mach E electric SUV and the Volvo XC40 EV, she said, are roughly 33% heavier than their gasoline counterparts.
Measured Approaches to Success
FMW talks with a good many industry leaders about fleet driver safety. This week, we feature an engaging interview with Ted Chen, one of the co-founders of LifeSaver Mobile. Chen says, “We tackle the number one cause of crashes by stopping the problem before it’s too late.”
Drowsy driving is another major contributor to global vehicle crashes. Now, NETS has developed a guide for safety professionals: Managing Fatigue for the Fleet Safety Professional. This free guide is available on the NETS website.
We are fascinated by how deftly the integration of powerhouse fleet management company Wheels Donlen LeasePlan is being managed. Shlomo Crandus gives us insight into how they’re doing it.
We're thinking about Baltimore and the upcoming NAFA Conference: April 17-19! Register early and save a cool $200!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
