maybe lockup just the left front/rear brakes?The steering on all cars is a mechanical linkage. They apparently were able to tamper with the power assist. I don’t see any way that they are able to change the direction of the steering.
Some modern vehicles, my 2012 F350....Mercedes, activate the brakes on one side of the vehicle for various reasons.
On the F350, to cancel trailer sway or fishtail. On the Mercedes to make instant changes in direction to return a sleepy driver to his correct lane when a head on is imminent.
One could use that feature to cause a vehicle to leave the road.
Thankfully they haven’t given control of the steering to the computer. My newest car does have computer-controlled braking in the name of “automatic stability control.” I know for sure that the gas pedal does not connect to the engine except via the computer.
It’s the push-button start ones that are the scariest. These are the ones that have had runaways as there is no key to switch off. Still, I’m not completely sure what my key switch actually connects to... whether an ignition cutoff or just the computer.
That is correct, without power assist, very fancy driving may be impaired, but the general direction would be determined by the driver.
The problem comes when the car becomes airborne from a bump or rise in the roadway due to excessive speed, and the road turns out from under it.
Two of my friends died from meeting trees along side the road this way.
Real fun when your steering is overridden.
>>The steering on all cars is a mechanical linkage.
Not so.
While “vast majority” would be true, cars with electric steering are being developed and hitting the road in numbers shortly.
Nissan Develops Fully Electric Steer-By-Wire System, Will Go On Sale Next Year
http://blog.caranddriver.com/nissan-develops-fully-electric-steer-by-wire-system-will-go-on-sale-next-year/
maybe lockup just the left front/rear brakes? Nope. I have a 2013 Honda Accord and the steering is electric, not mechanical.