Ask The Best And Brightest: Mandatory Brake Overrides?
In testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy and Transportation, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said he was “looking at the possibility of recommending” mandatory brake override systems on all new vehicles sold in the US. Given the congressional hysteria about auto safety in the past few weeks (not to mention the already-expectant MSM headlines), such a requirement would likely face little political opposition. When Toyota first announced that it would be installing the buzz-worthy “failsafe” system on its new cars, we whined that the days of doing burnouts in Mom’s autobox IS350 were over. Which, frankly, was fairly petty of us. At this point it’s become fairly clear that, whether there are unfound defects still lurking in the evil minds of our appliance-mobiles or not, Americans need to feel that they could stop their cars in a worst case demonic possession scenario. So let them eat brake override systems, say I. At least until I hear someone advocating for mandatory manual transmissions.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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In spite of all the discussions in the car magazines, I was never co-ordinated enough to heel and toe.
@ Robert.Walter, Robert, If you read the story at this link, you will see why I am waiting for the "fix" to shake out. This recall is being performed under stress, and I for one do not think it was well thought out. I will wait for cooler heads to prevail. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota3-2010mar03,0,2270669.story
The vast majority of drivers simply want a car that takes them reliably and safely from A to B. They are not would be racers who like to play with their cars. They drive automatics and expect the brakes to work at all times with the effectiveness they are used to. This why brake power assist must be guaranteed at all times, regardless of engine throttle setting. Faced with unintended acceleration, most drivers would try the brakes a few times, thus losing all vacuum brake boost. They would become terrified as the brakes appeared to fail This is why car manufacturers must idle the engine when brakes are applied, to maintain brake power assist and to ensure that the average driver can safely bring the car to a stop.
I know this is odd.... But who takes a 5-10yr old LS out for a burnout.. and is excited?