CNN reported today that an individual driving a Toyota Prius on a freeweay east of San Diego called 911 and alerted authorities to the fact that his Prius was accelerating out of control. Apparently the driver steered the vehicle at very high speeds for about 30 minutes before he was able to safely bring it to a stop. Just to be clear, I'm sure that I don't have all the pertinent information, and CNN failed to clearly explain how he managed stop the runaway vehicle. But what really bothers me is that when the driver was asked if he tried putting the transmission into "neutral", he replied that it would have been unsafe as he needed both hands just to steer his vehicle and avoid other cars and trucks on the freeway. Really?
So why would that have been less safe than calling 911 to report that his Prius was speeding out of control?
And while I am searching for answers, why did he not know that applying steady brake pressure and then shifting to "neutral" should have been the first two things he needed to do to rectify the situation? With all the press attention paid to runaway Toyotas for the last two months, as a Toyota owner, I'm amazed that any Toyota owner would not have taken the time to learn the appropriate emergency procedures to be followed in such a situation. However, for the benefit of those owners who have not, the following is an excerpt taken from a current www.Toyota.com FAQ page.
What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking the following actions:
• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
o If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
o If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
To be honest, I am very suspicious of this story, especially since it has been reported by a university professor that a faulty electronic fuel control will not provide an error code in this situation, thus eliminating the possibility of proving that such an occurrence did not occur. Consequently, in our litigious prone society, I would not be surprised to learn that this driver will soon be filing a huge lawsuit against Toyota for mental anguish for his "terrifying experience."
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