Here's what the interior of one looks like. See how long it takes you to identify the gearshift.
Posted on 03/07/2010 11:12:34 AM PST by Oklahoma
Which cars have that now? How does it detect the difference between a person that uses both feet and a panic situation? I prefer to have all my controls available without some computer second-guessing my actions AND a kill switch under my control.
>>Unless, that is, you panic, freak out, and lock up - which unfortunately is what a lot of people do.
Some of these people made cell phone calls while their car was out of control. One called 911 to ask for help and one called home. That just blew my mind that anyone would think of the phone when their car is trying to kill them while they just passively sit back and let it happen. It’s the nanny state mindset taken to the point of absurdity.
You're right, the system has to leave the lazy driver alone, the one who cruises along with his left foot on the brake, wasting gas and brake linings. Since every ABS system will have a brake pressure sensor, it would be easy to recognize a panic situation using that sensor. Simultaneous heavy braking and wide open throttle would not be a normal driving situation. That's when you want the override to work.
Cars with push button starters also stop the engine using the same button, some Toyotas have this. The Toyota implementation requires the button to be held down for 3 seconds in order to kill the engine. Apparently, some people don't realize this (who reads manuals?), and they think the button doesn't work. Other cars recognize multiple pushes as being a panic kill request, which is a better approach. But you have to distinguish between a real situation, and an accidental bump of the button. I like the military approach of using a switch guard.
Yeah, I agree about having as much control as possible. That's one reason I won't buy an automatic. But in a modern car, the computer gets involved with just about everything you do. It's either that or drive an old car.
Just happened today:
Runaway Toyota Prius stopped on I-8 by CHP patrol car
What to do when your Country is speeding towards a collision...
DO: shift into gridlock/neutral. this will prevent further acceleration.
DO: hit brakes and/or coast to a stop so you can kick the idiot driver out of the driver’s seat and onto the pavement.
DO: Replace idiot driver with someone who has a clue a: how to drive the country, er, car and b: how to interact with all the other motorists on the highway.
DON’T: whistle a happy tune as the idiot driver tries to tell you he knows what he’s doing.
Here's what the interior of one looks like. See how long it takes you to identify the gearshift.
I would say it is on the dash, under the air vent.
Yep. Not exactly intuitive, though, is it?
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