How Do You Stop A Speeding Runaway Car?

The recent media attention on several runaway Toyotas resulting in loss of life and a recall of 3.8 million cars has highlighted the need to know how to stop a runaway car. The cause of runaway Toyotas is still unknown, but the problem manifests as a stuck accelerator or sudden, unstoppable acceleration. According to ABC news, there have reportedly been up to 2000 incidents since 2003 where Toyota vehicles have hit speeds of 100 miles per hour without warning. While there is a Toyota recall in effect, the fix is still unknown making it even more important to know how to handle out of control acceleration. Don't hit the brakes on a runaway car. When the accelerator is stuck, the brakes can't engage properly. Try pumping the brakes to see if that helps. Although, based on driver reports from those who've experienced a runaway vehicle, don't expect pumping to do much. Shift into neutral instead. If that is not possible, or does not work, then turn off the car at the ignition. Shutting ...  more