Released: January 29, 2010

‘Smart pedals’ could stop crashes like those behind recall

Source: Jayne O'Donnell, USA Today

Inexpensive technology used for more than 15 years in some European cars could have prevented crashes caused by stuck gas pedals in Toyota vehicles.

A brake-override system or “smart pedals” can slow a vehicle even if a gas pedal sticks or if it’s depressed by a driver at the wrong time. The system works simply: When brakes are pressed at the same time a gas pedal is engaged, the electronic signal propelling the car is interrupted, and the car automatically is slowed to idle.

Read Full Article: ‘Smart pedals’ could stop crashes like those behind recall