Toyota Recall News: White House, Legislators Talk Brake Overrides for Toyotas

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 17, 2010

The U.S. government is currently looking at what is, to many, a common-sense proposal for modern vehicle safety: brake override systems on all new Toyota vehicles equipped with electronic throttle systems.

Much of the attention to brake override systems is the result of the massive recalls of Toyota vehicles that includes millions of cars, trucks and SUVs. Driver reports of sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles have led to recalls of floor mats and gas pedals, but as these fixes are implemented, drivers are still reporting problems with acceleration in some Toyota vehicles. A recent New York Times story indicates 43 fatalities resulting from unintended acceleration in Toyotas since 2000, as well as numerous injuries.

Under fire from government officials and consumer groups, the Toyota Company is still maintaining that electronic throttle systems did not cause sudden or unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. However, the company has been developing a brake override system for repairs to vehicles involved in its recalls, in addition to a reinforced gas pedal that the company claims will fix a “sticky gas pedal” issue in some of its late model vehicles. The brake override system causes the vehicle engine to shut off if both the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time. What the federal government has found is that other companies have been installing brake override systems, where Toyota has not. To some, the offer of these electronic overrides is too little, too late.

U.S. legislators are now questioning whether the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration let down the American public by not requiring a brake override system for Toyota vehicles, or by ignoring some of the safety issues in the Toyota product line as they developed. In response, Dept. of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is assuring lawmakers that his agency will do whatever it takes to make Toyota a safe brand for drivers. Nonetheless, recent testimony by Toyota owners and U.S. officials is showing a distrust of the Toyota Company that will likely continue until the matter is thoroughly researched and resolved to the satisfaction of investigators.

Toyota recall accident lawyer James O. Cunningham has many years of experience representing individuals and families injured in auto accidents. If you or a family member sustained injuries in an accident related to a recalled or defective Toyota, call the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham to learn about the legal recourse that may be available to you under the law. Those seeking this kind of legal representation can call toll free 888-425-2004 or local 407-425-2000 or submit a form online for a speedy, professional response.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.