BREAKING: Toyota said to install brake override systems on all cars by end of 2010

[divideandconquer]

BREAKING: Toyota said to install brake override systems on all cars by end of 2010

From the "things that should probably already be there" file comes the announcement that Toyota will be installing brake override systems in response to recent incidents of runaway cars. Toyota North America president Yoshi Inaba told Automotive News that the system will force the engine into idle if it senses the driver is trying to apply the brakes unsuccessfully.
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<http://www.autoblog.com/>

[shawcomm]

1. How about they just fix the damned problem

and stop killing people. This "fix" is just a band-aid in hopes that it won't fuck up too. If nothing else, go back to the tried and true method of the accelerator pedal being actually tied to the accelerator. When computer control is so messed up that people are dying, either fix it or get rid of it in favor of time tested technology, no matter how old it is.

[shrdlu]

3. Absolutely!

What is the supposed advantage of these drive-by-wire systems anyway? This geezer wants a linkage that can be repaired with baling wire.

[LeftyMom]

2. I'll stick with this time-tested safety device, thanks.

[Kokonoe]

4. What? what if I want brake and gun at the same time.

Does it mean I can't smoke my tires anymore, Or just for 3 seconds.

[dysfunctional press]

5. shouldn't that be "BRAKING" news...?

:shrug:

[alc]

6. a new system to fix a system that fails sometimes?

What happens when the new system fails? Why do they think they can make a new system that won't fail when they can't stop the current system from failing?

If they do need a backup break system, how about making it real simple: A lever I can pull with my hand with a wire going to the breaks - no electronics, no messing with the engine/transmission/idle, easy to test (start going down a hill and pull the lever), and relatively cheap.

They could probably even get rid of the hand lever for people who panic and forget about the hand lever - 75% of the foot brake range is for "normal" breaking (break fluid, anti-locking, etc). The last 25% takes more effort but engages the wire. (and put a wedge under the peddle so nothing rolls under it and gets stuck)

[Brickbat]

7. WTF? Why not FIX it, instead of putting in another thing that can fail?

What th'?