With all the news about accelerator problems with Toyotas, Consumer Reports has put together a video to show how to stop your out-of-control car.

You think you should turn off the ignition? NO! You'll lose the power steering.

You think you should hit the brakes? MAYBE! But you might also lock up your power brakes and lose them completely.

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-hub/cars/safety/how-to-stop-your-car-during-sudden-acceleration/17188412001/48234862001/

Colleen

That is very good information; I drive a stick, so 'neutral' is real easy for me.  I think the big issue is staying calm enough to act appropriately when something like this happens.  I would expect panic and adrenaline hits your system pretty hard if your car does this. 

No doubt about the panic, DeeDee. My mom, my sister, and my brother-in-law all drive Toyotas so Mom and I were talking about the accelerator problems. Mom said she'd turn off the car. Just guessing, but I figured that the key couldn't be turned in the ignition with the car in "Drive." So we agreed that shifting to neutral, then turning off the car would be a good solution.... Hadn't even thought about the power steering problem.

I know that if I shut off my Dodge van, the steering wheel locks. I can move it back to the ON position (without starting the car) to free up the steering wheel, but as you say, I'm sure to be in panic mode.

I like this short video and the suggestion that you practice the maneuver a few times when you don't have a problem. Unlike a hydroplaning car, you don't have to be in a crisis to try this.

Colleen

Wow, thanks for sharing that, I would totally freak.

Great video. I too drive a stick so finding neutral is easy for me.

I've taken a one-day driving class (Skip Barber - they're a racing school). And yes, we got to drive fast cars around a track, but it was great in the fact that I learned avoidance manuevers (say something falls out of the car in front of you as you're driving down the highway) and what to do if you start hydroplaning or lose control of your car. Staying calm and not automatically braking is really what I got out of it (you lose control of your car when you suddenly brake - manuever first and then brake). I've been lucky never to have to use what I learned, but I've learned to keep my eyes open and be prepared when I drive.

Thanks for sharing!! I don't drive a Toyota, but its good to know what to do.  Now if only I could keep panic out of it though.  Like he said, a good idea to practice.

Thank you for that info! I do drive a Toyota, but it is a '95.  ;D  - someday will get a "newer" Toyota- so that info is good to know, ---  for anyone, I guess! Thanks again!,

Kathy

This happened to my husband in our volvo last year!!!!