Obama May Ask for Brake Override in All Cars

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Tuesday that the government may recommend that all automobiles install brake-override systems to prevent the incidents of sudden acceleration that have forced the recall of millions of Toyotas.

"We think it is a good safety device," LaHood said in answer to a question from Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) at a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Energy and Transportation Committee. "And we're trying to figure out if we should be recommending it."

The brake system, already installed in many cars, is designed to deactivate the accelerator when the brake pedal is pushed, allowing a driver to slow down and stop safely if the throttle sticks open, The New York Times reported. In other words, if both pedals on a floorboard are pushed, the brake would override.

Toyota has begun installing such a system in its Camry, Lexus and Avalon models.