| With films such as Irobot fresh in our minds, thoughts | | | | whether electronic gremlins are causing issues in |
| turn to the ideas of cars becoming more digital and | | | | vehicles," said Jake Fisher, senior automotive engineer |
| electronic. Electronic systems will soon control braking | | | | at Consumer Reports. "And that hasn't yet been |
| and acceleration if car companies have their way, but | | | | proven or disproven -- but we do know that |
| is this a great idea? We all know what happens with | | | | mechanical gremlins plagued cars for years. |
| electric goods when they short; you can be left with | | | | "And these hearings have spotlighted auto safety in |
| something that doesn't work properly, so why should | | | | general, which is a good thing. And generally speaking, |
| we not be worried about these things happening in our | | | | the increased use of electronics has led to safety |
| vehicles? Ford have recently asked all owners of their | | | | improvements." |
| hybrids to take them to the garage after reports of a | | | | Many cars currently use the push button to start the |
| different feel to the braking, to have their software | | | | engine, something that, if faulty, could cause a massive |
| updated. Although there was no problem, they felt this | | | | problem for drivers. The bottom line is, that although |
| would minimise any accidents. The problems that | | | | there are fears for the electronic safety f vehicles, |
| Toyota has had have brought this thought to the | | | | they have on the whole, improved things on a really |
| forefront of our awareness. | | | | high scale for the daily driver. |
| "The attention on the Toyota issue has definitely | | | | When driving any vehicle, make sure that your Car |
| prompted discussion and debates about electronic | | | | Insurance policy is up to date, as an accident without |
| systems, and it's certainly raised some questions about | | | | insurance will cost you a pretty penny. |