Mazda to Install Brake Override Systems on New Models

Toyota's devastating recall that affected millions of cars sold all over the world scared the hell out of several other automakers which were more or less involved in this serious problem. Some others have already confirmed that their cars are also affected by Toyota's glitch, including Peugeot and Citroen, while other brands are trying to avoid such an embarrassing and money-losing situation straight from the assembly lines.

This is exactly the case of Mazda, the Japanese manufacturer that recently decided to install brake override systems on all new models. This basically means that in case a near-death experience (to be read "a stuck accelerator pedal") occurs, the vehicle will give priority to the brake pedal and not to the accelerator.

According to a report by Autonews, Mazda is not aware of potential accidents or glitches that could be caused by stuck accelerator pedals.

“We are not aware of any malfunctions or instances of runaway Mazda vehicles or related accidents that would necessitate a brake override system,” Mazda spokesman Kotaro Minagawa was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.

More interesting, it seems like the overall costs of installing a brake override system on a newly-built car goes around 50 bucks, which could lead to its adoption by some other brands as well. For instance, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu (probably under Toyota's guidance) admitted they are now studying ways to install the feature.

"I think (it) could eventually become a standard feature, just like airbags or anti-lock brake systems," said Daihatsu spokesman Haruki Mori.