NHTSA wants to add brake-throttle override systems to safety standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a revision of a safety standard already in place so vehicles can still stop even if both accelerator and brake pedals are depressed.

Calling it a “Brake-Throttle Override”, the NHTSA wants to implement this requirement to ensure that unintended acceleration can be stopped, even at high speeds. To achieve this, the NHTSA is proposing an update of throttle control disconnect systems testing for all vehicle equipped with Electronic Throttle Control.

“We learned as part of the comprehensive NASA and NHTSA studies of high-speed unintended acceleration that brake override systems could help drivers avoid crashes,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “While NHTSA’s defect investigation program will continue to monitor and consider consumer complaints of any potential vehicle safety issues, this proposal is one way the agency is helping keep drivers safe and continuing to work to reduce the risk of injury from sticky pedals or pedal entrapment issues.”

The public has 60 days to comment on the matter.

#overdoingit

– By: Alexandra Koken