On Nov 26, 2:49*pm, Ignoramus17202 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM.
17202.invalid wrote:
Bruce, I liked your write up, but I have a much simpler solution to
proper (read ergonomic and idiot proof) car design, when it comes to
stuck gas pedals. As someone who experienced this situation, I
sympathize with all others who had it.

My proposed solution would be to detect when gas AND brake pedals are
engaged simultaneously, and perform the following:

1) Disengage the transmission
2) Ignore the gas pedal signal and treat it as not depressed at all.

These two things can cure those dangerous situations.

I agree also that any car, no matter how "smart", should have a very
easy means of killing the engine NO MATTER WHAT.

i

That assumes the pedal sensors are giving the correct output. Their
wiring and connectors are high on the list of potential malfunctions,
and although out-of-range sensor detection is simple, choosing a
proper response isn't. Would you want the brakes to jam on while you
were cornering on a wet mountain road, entering the freeway or barely
beating a red light?

Unless you have your hand on a big rheostat control lever all electric
vehicles use remote electronic throttle control, and some like the
Segway steer and brake electronically as well. Unfortunately I can't
pursue this line of discussion further, but I share the concern and do
what I can to make them safer.

jsw