NHTSA Withdraws Brake-Throttle Override Mandate
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has withdrawn its 2012 proposal requiring all passenger vehicles to include safety systems that prevent unintended acceleration.

NHTSA will no longer require automakers to include a brake-throttle override system.
Photo via Pixabay.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has withdrawn its 2012 proposal requiring all passenger vehicles to include safety systems that prevent unintended acceleration, reports the Associated Press.
The agency said Monday the technology known as brake-throttle override (BTO) systems, does not need to be mandated as automakers have installed them voluntary in all 2018 passenger vehicles, according to the report.
However, safety advocates do not support the NHTSA move, noting it will take years to determine whether or not manufacturers installed the systems due to the pending rule. Moreover, with no BTO mandate, the safety systems may not be included in future models or may be sold as an optional luxury system.
NHTSA's proposed rule originally came about after a series of unintended acceleration issues with Toyota vehicles.
In 2010 there were claims that electronic defects were causing the acceleration in high-speed crashes, but NHTSA investigated and ruled that out. Rather, it was determined that in some cases drivers had inadvertently pressed the brake and gas pedal simultaneously or that gas pedals became trapped by floor mats, reports AP.
The latest move to scrap the proposed mandate comes at a time when the Trump administration is pushing to eliminate regulations, viewing them as a burden on industry, reports AP.
More Safety

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework
Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.
Read More →
Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
