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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg A potential solution for the floor mat dilemma. (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/smart-gas-pedals-may-solve-floor-mat-problem/?ref=automobiles)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius-III.jpgCHRISTOPHER JENSEN - BLOGS (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com) - October 7, 2009

How would the American "Big Three" respond to the same issue? --Ed.

Some automakers – primarily European — are using an unusual method to reduce the chances of unintended acceleration from something like a floor mat getting tangled up with the accelerator: smart gas pedals.

If the vehicle is moving and both the gas and brake pedal are being pushed at the same time the computer tells the engine to ignore the gas pedal.

“It is an additional safety feature,” said Thomas Plucinsky, a BMW spokesman. “The brake takes ... http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/smart-gas-pedals-may-solve-floor-mat-problem/?ref=automobiles

Not a bad idea. It will likely catch on with all the automakers, if there are no bug issues and if they're drive-by-wire.

Not a bad idea, but personally, I'm a fan of the KISS principle. A simple mechanical fix (hooks on the floor mat) can avoid the issue in the first place. Then you don't need even more electronics to fix it after a problem happens.

The Toyota problem is that there are hooks on the floor mat and yet people are managing to disconnect them one way or another. I actually think this solution is pretty simple considering it's nothing more than a few more lines of computer code.

Yeah, I would expect that the ECU would already be aware of the throttle position and brake pedal action on most vehicles. Add a few lines of code to deal with that specific situation and it's taken care of. Another benefit is that it discourages those who like to ride the brakes with their left foot from doing so.

This would have made my 82 Plymoth Reliant undrivable.

The last 2 years of its life I spent 2-footing the car because it would die at traffic lights if the engine RPM wasn't high enough. Ahh, good times. No wait, the other thing. Sucky car. :)

^

Years ago my wife's jeep required gas and braking simultaneous or it would stall out. For that matter so did my 67 Fury too much stereo and not enough alternator. :o

^
For that matter so did my 67 Fury too much stereo and not enough alternator. :o

You don't have Craig PowerPlay affliction now do you??:D

From the days when I measured speaker quality by magnet size.

Not a bad idea, but personally, I'm a fan of the KISS principle. A simple mechanical fix (hooks on the floor mat) can avoid the issue in the first place. Then you don't need even more electronics to fix it after a problem happens.I'm with you, Andrew.

And just how are people supposed to double-clutch?

BMW has a solution to the floormat/accelerator problem, but it's kind of pricey...I don't like the initial emissions or the texting going on while the car is being driven. :p

http://www.youtube.com/v/UQ4def7VhMI&hl=en&fs=1&

Cars apparently could use "kill switches" that are required on motorcycles.

Harry

Cars apparently could use "kill switches" that are required on motorcycles.

Harry

Or smarter drivers.;)

Quick:

Your gas pedal sticks and you start accelerating 200ft from a school crossing. You have old brakes and they can't overpower the engine.

How can you stop in time?

Hint: Crashing is not required.

From the days when I measured speaker quality by magnet size.

I did have full on 3 way speakers mounted on plywood and strapped in the back with seatbelts.:eek: Had to lose one channel if I wanted to fit 2 more in the back seat. :Banane08:

And just how are people supposed to double-clutch?

Do you mean "heal-toe"?
that was the first thought that went though my head. How on earth are people actually know how to drive a manual transmission heal-toe for downshifts on a weekend at the road coarse?

Heal-Toe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDNfXmSS6c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zw-ayF4Oeg

Double-Clutch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN7ewe2j6IE