[Random_Art]

We could debate free market vs. government regulation until the cows come home and all we're going to end up with are cows angry that they've been left unattended for years. The fact is that sometimes without the government stepping in to tell industries to do something for the greater good, the industry would take too long to fix whatever the problem is and we'd all be worse off for it. Total free for all in the economy is a terrible thing, just as total government control is a terrible thing. The ideal lies in a healthy balance and mutual respect of both government regulation and free market innovation.

That being said:
Cars are over-regulated at this point. There are some things that are now mandated for stupid reasons that I feel should simply be options like the third brake light, tire pressure monitoring systems, pedestrian safety bumpers, and event data recorders. Most of these things serve no realistic benefit that can't be solved through better driver education and frequent retesting of drivers. It adds pointless complexity and just one more system to brake down. The tire pressure sensing system in my mountaineer has been malfunctioning for over a year and I really don't care. I keep track of the air pressure in the tires on my own.