Issa asks LaHood to mull 'industry-wide' solution to acceleration problems

A top Republican lawmaker wrote Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Wednesday to urge an industry-wide standard for automakers to abate risks associated with unintended acceleration.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the top Republican member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote LaHood to ask for answers related to "possible industry wide standard or regulation for brake override technology."

"Per our conversation about the need to implement overlapping safety systems to protect Americans from automotive failures including incidents of unintended acceleration, I urge you to begin consultations with auto safety experts, including representatives from the Society of Automotive Engineers, about the most appropriate way to implement industry-wide standards," Issa wrote Wednesday.

The California Republican's letter comes after his committee has probed Japanese automaker Toyota's response to acceleration and braking problems in its vehicles that have prompted a massive recall. Issa has also sought answers into the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration's (NHTSA) work on Toyotas' safety.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the government may mandate brake override systems on vehicles.