Federal Regulators Call for Mandatory Brake Override System

In response to the deadly crash and subsequent recall of millions of Toyota and Lexus automobiles due to unintended acceleration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing that all automakers be required to design a brake-throttle override system into future vehicles.

These override systems would prevent unintended accelerations by automatically releasing the throttle when the car's on board computer senses that the brake pedal is depressed, and thus unable to function.

As a car and truck accident attorney in Chicago, I am pleased to see the federal government taking steps to address an important vehicle safety issue. I hope automakers do not resist this key proposal. Particularly as someone who lives in Chicago, with its high volume of traffic, any type of regulation that makes the roads safer is encouraging.