Press release from the Indiana State Police:
Safety Tips for a Stuck Accelerator
(Putnamville – January 28, 2010) Toyota Motor Corporation has stopped selling and building eight models, saying there’s a possibility that their accelerator pedals may get stuck in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Although Toyota has brought this problem to the forefront, the automaker and experts have advice for drivers of any vehicle if an accelerator pedal sticks.
BASIC ADVICE:
Consumer Reports magazines instructions is simple: First, brake hard. Then put the car in neutral. When you come to a stop, turn off the engine.
The engine may keep revving loudly while you try to stop, but don’t turn it off if you can avoid it. Turning off the engine means you lose power assisted steering and brakes, and if you turn the key too far, you could lock the steering wheel.
The revving may not be good for the engine, but getting the vehicle to a safe stop is the most important consideration.
Consumer Reports has a video demonstration on its Web site.
DON’T PUMP THE BRAKES. PRESS FIRMLY AND STEADILY.
Toyota warns that pumping the brake pedal will deplete the vacuum assist, which boosts the braking force using power from the engine. If that’s depleted, you’ll need to put much stronger pressure on the brake pedal, and it still might not be enough force to stop safely.
“If the engine goes to wide open throttle it’s really scary,” said John Heywood, director of MIT’s Sloan Automotive Lab. “You have to jam your foot on the brake really hard.”
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
If you can’t put the vehicle in neutral, then turn the engine off. This will not cause the loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
Toyota advises:
If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the accessory (ACC) position, but don’t remove the key from the ignition, because it will lock the steering wheel.
If you start your car by pressing a button instead of turning a key, push and hold the start-stop button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do not tap the button.
Sources: Toyota documents, Consumer Reports, AP interviews
Related Images:
