Consumer Reports: How Technology Can Curb Accelerator Breakdowns

Toyota’s well-publicized problems with sudden, unintended acceleration have led Consumer Reports to issue a list of suggested fixes automakers can implement to prevent such problems.These include designing cars so that sustained pressure on the brakes can stop them even if the gas pedal is fully depressed, making it easier to turn off the engine in an emergency, and making it easier to shift into neutral when the car accelerates out of control.Toyota has recalled over 8 million cars and trucks worldwide because of the acceleration problem and is facing a Congressional probe over the issue. One suggestion is for automakers to engineer cars so a sustained braking force can stop them in a reasonable distance, even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed.Speeding vehicles can require up to 1,000 feet to stop, but this distance is too long, Consumer Reports stated. One method to reduce this distance is to use smart throttle technology that allows the brakes to override the throttle. Toyota is adding this technology to its vehicle line, according to the consumer advocacy group.However, this suggestion assumes that drivers have maintained their cars in good condition and that the brakes are in good repair. It also assumes good road… Read full this story

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