Sudden Accelerating Toyotas Not Caused by Software Flaws
In a news conference today, Ray Hood, head of the US Dept of Transportaton, announced that a federal study has concluded that software flaws did not cause Toyotas to suddenly accelerate. The investigation found no evidence for any causes beyond the widely reported sticking accelerator pedals and floor mat entrapment problems. Toyota has recalled over 11 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide to fix the pedals and possibility of mats riding up over the accelerators.
To reduce the incidents of unintended acceleration, the federal safety agency said in the future it may order manufacturers to build in brake override systems that allow the brake to stop the vehicle even if the accelerator is being pressed at the same time. Toyota is currently beginning to install such systems in its new vehicles.
