Insurance companies will be allowed to install spyware in Californians' cars, and charge higher auto insurance premiums to those who refuse, under legislation authored by San Rafael Assemblyman Jared Huffman. Proponents claim the bill will encourage motorists to drive less, but the bill grants insurance companies permission to give a discount to drivers who participate in the insurer's mileage tracking program, not those who reduce their mileage.

Someone changed the new "Truth in Towing Law" to the "Towing Safety Law" when I wasn't looking.I'm not sure you're going to be any safer, but I can understand how folks in Springfield might get squeamish when it comes to anything with the word "truth" in it.

Today California begins a ban on driving-while-talking, at least when it's on a cell phone without a headset. Otherwise, feel free to chat away, put on a tie, or fiddle with your headset. See what the editorial board thinks of the ban in today's editorial, and below, see what editorial boards past thought of two once-controversial automobile safety issues: seat belts and air bags.

The first mention of seat belts, already favorable, came in a dramatic 1950s editorial that, as anyone who has ever sat through driver's ed will notice, has a hint of " Red Asphalt":
Slaughter on the Holiday Week End, Sep. 4, 1954

If the cell phone rings when you're driving, don't answer it.Unless, of course, you have a headset or hands-free device.

Will Californians lie to save money?

Insurance companies are looking to raise a cap on car insurance costs and the North Carolina Department of Insurance argues that rates should drop.

December is upon us and you know what that means – it’s holiday party time. Unfortunately, this means holiday drinking and driving will also increase during the month of December.