diff --git a/ROMFS/px4fmu_common/init.d/rcS b/ROMFS/px4fmu_common/init.d/rcS
index 9118f26013..1d21d77727 100644
--- a/ROMFS/px4fmu_common/init.d/rcS
+++ b/ROMFS/px4fmu_common/init.d/rcS
@@ -200,8 +200,13 @@ then
 
 			if px4io start
 			then
+				# try to safe px4 io so motor outputs dont go crazy
 				if px4io safety_on
 				then
+					# success! no-op
+				else
+					# px4io did not respond to the safety command
+					px4io stop
 				fi
 			fi