Brakeoverride

Brakeoverride, also known as brake-throttle override (BTO) or brake-override system (BOS), is an automotive safety feature designed to ensure that a vehicle decelerates when the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are pressed simultaneously. The primary purpose is to mitigate the risk of unintended acceleration by giving priority to braking.

The system works by continuously monitoring sensor signals from both pedals and the vehicle’s drive system. If brake input is detected while the accelerator is showing throttle, the electronic control unit reduces engine torque toward idle and, in many designs, may engage additional braking assistance to help slow the vehicle. This override helps prevent a dangerous mismatch between accelerator input and braking force.

Implementation of brakeoverride varies. In throttle-by-wire vehicles, the override is achieved through the engine management and brake control integration. In hybrids and electric vehicles, the system may be combined with regenerative braking and brake control strategies to maximize deceleration while maintaining vehicle stability and controllability.

History and adoption of brakeoverride grew after high-profile cases of unintended acceleration, leading many manufacturers to adopt BTO as a standard safety precaution in later model years. While not universally mandated by regulation, brakeoverride has become a common feature in modern automobiles and is often marketed as part of broader safety and driver-assistance suites.

Limitations and considerations include reliance on sensor integrity and proper function of the braking system. Brakeoverride is intended to supplement, not replace, safe driving practices and standard braking performance. It cannot guarantee avoidance of all collisions, particularly in adverse road conditions or situations requiring rapid, complex driver responses.