NHTSA is proposing a rule requiring all the new cars to have a brake-throttle overdrive "to ensure drivers can better stop a vehicle in the event both the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time." This is a response to the sudden acceleration episode a few years ago, some of which may have been hysteria.

Edmunds warns implementing this technology could have negative unintended consequences. “There’s the risk that an override system could provide a false sense of security for drivers, especially in cases where a driver accidentally applies the wrong pedal, and an override will do nothing to solve the problem." Jeremy Anwyl. "And while this mandate might help prevent some other causes  of sudden unintended acceleration, a brake override system could impact everyday drivability and generate other sorts of customer complaints if not executed properly.”

But the press told us there was a major problem and something must be done. Ray LaHood, being a veteran political hack, knew that this was something and so he was going to do it. And what members of the press specifically hyped the issue? Why, our old friend Ken Bensinger.  And he dined out on those articles for a long time, picking up numerous prestigious awards. I'm sure he'll do the same for his series on buy-here, pay-here. That series is already causing problems in California.

All of which makes me think of this.