The phenomenon of “ghost brakes” leaves perplexed and worried many motorists in France. Vehicles that suddenly brake without visible reason have pushed the Ministry of Transport to open an in -depth investigation. With the many testimonies that fall, security on our roads remains at the heart of the discussions.
An investigation to unravel the mystery
The Friday August 15the government has revealed the launch of an investigation to understand the origin of these unexpected braking. The reports of vehicles braking on its own, raising a real concern for road safety. The investigation will look into several tracks: possible human errors, a faulty interview as a failed calibration, and dysfunctions in the sensors.
One of the significant cases is that of Joanna Peyrachwhistleblower, who experienced a similar situation last April on the A40 motorway. Its Peugeot 208 Rightly braked between 110 and 130 km/h, which caused a collision with a vehicle that followed it. Even if the accident did not lead to serious injuries, Joanna had cervical sprains and hematomas. Despite his request, the justice system refused to have his vehicle assembled. Since then, she has requested motorists and collected more than 500 similar reports in six weeks.
Alarming testimonies and reactions of officials
The reports concern brands like Peugeot, Citroën and Skoda, and a massive recall has been announced for these vehicles. Accidents vary in gravity, some having even led to deaths, which underlines the security problems on our roads. Joanna Peyrache gathered these testimonies via social networks, thus showing the extent of the problem.
The Vehicle and engines market surveillance service (SSMVM) is also on the spot. In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, he plans to question car manufacturers and carry out technical assessments. The SSMVM has a great experience with the recall campaign, like that of the Takata Airbags.
Motorists often point to driving aid systems, especially those related to automatic emergency braking. A petition launched on the site of the National Assembly August 6 claims an in -depth investigation as well as a reform of these automotive regulations.
Shared opinion among specialists
Christophe Theuilvice-president of the French Federation of Automobile Expertise, adopts a measured tone. He believes that there is “no a priori concern” about these technologies, even if he recognizes that their “technological limits” appear in difficult conditions, as in the rain or in the event of fog. He compares this to “ride with poorly adjusted correction glasses”. It also recalls the importance of adjusting the sensors and radars integrated in the windshields.
Theuil specifies that even if these technologies have been compulsory on all new vehicles in Europe since 2022, they have made it possible to avoid many more accidents they have caused.
The galleys encountered by Joanna Peyrache
Joanna Peyrache continues to fight to obtain complete expertise from her vehicle, but runs up on several obstacles. In particular, it deplores the lack of suitable equipment in concessions to analyze these sharp technical problems.
Despite these difficulties, it remains determined to obtain transparency and concrete actions from car manufacturers and the ministry. Stellantis, who has several of the brands concerned, said he was ready to help to resolve this concern.
