How to Stop a Runaway Car by Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports, the site I use to go to for desktop recommendations before I gave in and started buying Apple, recently told you how to save your life while trapped in a runaway vehicle. It’s a topical story; Toyota accelerators all over the world are being forced into drive by their mismatched floor mats, killing countless women, children and men in uniform. But fear not! Follow these quick and easy steps below to survive fiery death inside your Avalon or Camry:
1. Brake firmly. Do not pump the brakes. Do not turn off the engine yet, because doing so would disable the power assist for your steering and brakes.
2. Shift the transmission into Neutral. Don’t worry if the engine revs up alarmingly – most modern cars have rev-limiters to protect it, and this move will put you in back in control of your vehicle.
3. Steer to a safe location and come to a full stop.
4. Shut off the engine with the transmission still in Neutral.
5. Finally, shift the transmission into Park or, with a manual transmission, set the emergency brake. Then breathe deep and call for help. Do not attempt to drive the car.
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