Override systems proposed for stuck gas pedals

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New cars and light trucks would have to have override systems to prevent unintended acceleration when the gas pedal and brake are applied at the same time or accelerator control systems disconnect, under new federal regulations proposed Thursday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed changing accelerator testing standards for most new cars and many trucks and buses. The override systems, which automatically activate if the accelerator and brake are touched simultaneously, would be required in passenger cars, trucks and buses weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Most large trucks and buses weigh more than that, however.

Many vehicle models already come equipped with such brake-throttle override systems, which give the brake primacy.