Toyota launches sensor-based device designed to prevent accidents caused by the misapplication of pedals

NAGOYA - Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday launched a sensor-based device that is designed to prevent crashes caused by the misapplication of pedals in older types of its Prius and Aqua series of vehicles that do not have an automatic braking system.

Confusing the brake pedal with the accelerator accounted for 6.2 percent of fatal car crashes caused by drivers aged 75 or older last year, according to the National Police Agency, as pedal misapplication has become a major domestic traffic safety concern due to an aging population.

The new safety feature detects objects within a range of 3 meters and issues an alert if the driver mistakenly hits the gas pedal instead of the brake, according to the automaker.

The new system also slows down the car if it reaches over 5 kilometers per hour in reverse.

The suggested retail price for the system is ¥55,080, excluding the installation fee. Toyota aims to sell 2,500 units per month.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

LATEST BUSINESS STORIES

Iconic Italian fedora maker Borsalino moves beyond Bogey to target millennials, women

Hats off, Bogie. The traditional Italian hat maker Borsalino, whose fedora has defined the rough-and-tumble images of Robert Redford, Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart, has a plan to appeal more...

Lack of diversity hit as retailers and fashion brands still struggle with racial insensitivity

Retailers and top fashion brands like Gucci and Prada keep apologizing for products that smack of racial insensitivity. The big question is: Why does it keep happening? Experts say many of th...

U.K. concludes it can mitigate security risk from Huawei equipment use in 5G: Financial Times

The British government has decided it can mitigate the risks arising from the use of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. in 5G networks, the Financial Times reported