Toyota troubles put spotlight on US safety agency

[liberal N proud]

WASHINGTON - The government may require automakers to include brake systems that can override the gas pedal in response to Toyota's massive recalls, auto safety officials told Congress on Thursday.

David Strickland, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in prepared remarks to a House panel that his agency may require the brake override systems, a fix intended to prevent the type of runaway car incidents that some Toyota drivers have described. It ensures that a driver stepping on the brakes can slow their car or truck even if the gas pedal is stuck or malfunctioning.

Requiring the system could "substantially reduce the most dangerous kinds of sudden acceleration," Strickland said. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said last week the department may recommend the safety systems.

Congress was holding a hearing to examine NHTSA's oversight of the auto industry in the latest congressional review linked to Toyota's recall of more than 8 million vehicles worldwide.

Safety groups have accused NHTSA of being too cozy with the Japanese automaker while lacking the resources to test for vehicle problems that could be electronic, not mechanical.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35809982/ns/business-autos/