The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Toyota Motor Corp. is considering modifications to its push-button ignition system. The possible modification, which is still only "under study" would allow drivers to turn off the engine by tapping the ignition button in succession three times. The push-button ignition system is used on all Lexus vehicles and is optional or standard on many Toyota models. The keyless start system is arguably not a convenience feature - it takes some getting used to - and not a safety feature either. In a recent article last month, the Los Angeles times discussed the potential confusion and safety issues this feature could cause. Many news outlets have speculated that the push button ignition was why an off-duty CHP officer could not stop a runaway Toyota in San Diego in August. The officer and three of his family members died in that crash, which made national headlines.
In 2007, safety investigators previously raised concerns about the keyless ignition system when they noted the system took away the ability to simply turn off the engine in the event of an emergency. In a survey, investigators found that few Lexus drivers actually knew how to turn off the vehicle in an emergency. At the time, the vehicles' owner's manual only made general mention of how to turn off the vehicle in an emergency. It has since been updated.
The number of vehicles recalled globally due to gas pedal entrapment, stuck accelerators, and defective Hybrid brakes has now reached 8.5 million. If you have been seriously injured in an accident involving a recalled Toyota, contact the auto defect Toyota recall attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP for a free consultation of your legal rights.
Read more: LA Times, Wall Street Journal
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