Brake Assist is designed to detect sudden or "panic" braking and adds the full pressure needed to help prevent a collision.

If something rolls out into the street in front of a vehicle, there's only a split second to react. (Figure 1)

Because the reaction time is so short before the driver hits the brakes, not enough pressure may be applied. As a result, the car may not stop in time.

But in a Toyota, if a driver fails to apply enough pressure to the brake, the Brake Assist sensors will detect this sudden or "panic" braking and add pressure. (Figure 2) This additional pressure can help the driver avoid hitting the object.