[CamperBob2]

What they should have done was involve the police from step #1. If the video had been conducted on a closed section of roadway with ambulances standing by, police escorts, and lots of badges and sirens, it would have been even harder for the automakers to blow off.

It wouldn't have been difficult to do this right. Cops love drama and publicity. It wouldn't have taken much convincing to get them on board, and the video would gained a lot of credibility.

[yellowapple]

I agree completely; there were a lot of formalities that were neglected - and had they not be neglected, there would be less backlash against the researchers.

However, this doesn't change the fact that vulnerabilities were demonstrated, nor does it change the implication that auto manufacturers are excessively sluggish about security patches on things that can and do kill people on a regular basis. Even an imperfectly-conducted demonstration like this particular case is preferable to such a demonstration not occurring at all.