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If gas pedal gets stuck, put it in neutral — and get off the road

The Sunion --
Q: I read the story about LuAnn Burgess, the woman charged with striking and killing three women who said her flip flop fell off and caused her accelerator to get stuck.

Something similar happened to me last summer, and I believe some advice on how to handle the situation might save a life someday.

As I was driving on the Thruway between exits 24 and 25 heading west, I noticed my automobile was gradually increasing in speed and I could also sense the accelerator pedal was moving away from my foot. Soon I was traveling 65, then 70-plus mph.

Instead of panicking, I simply threw the gearshift lever in neutral and pulled over onto the shoulder and shut off the engine. I then proceeded another half-mile and did the same thing again.

Every half-mile or so I would repeat this proce

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Submitted Aug 13, 2012 By: aservant

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,590 Points:1,606,595 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 15, 2012 4:29:02 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse that's why you don't drive w/ flip-flops on in the first place. And the rest of the stuff, it's common sense. Oh, wait, that's been lost long ago...
hank1326 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:8,904 Points:1,731,110 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 9:00:42 PM Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse Common sense.
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:5,595 Points:1,202,835 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 8:45:43 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse Thanks for posting Aservant.....good article!
melvindale Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,438 Points:351,230 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 2:11:40 PM Ignore melvindale Report Abuse I always thought putting it in neutral was common sense, but obviously not. The cop pointing out what is written in driving manuals is interesting. Does he not know that nobody reads anything anymore? I've always felt that there should be better training for drivers. Hands-on how to avoid an accident training should be drilled into everybody. Why is it that only a minority of people care about anything anymore? The majority just can't be bothered. When you consider how hard it was to drive cars from 75 or 100 years ago, and how narrow the roads were, how little safety equipment there was. Clearly people cared more then or there would have been many more fatalities than there were.
gazguzzler11 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,424 Points:760,390 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 12:06:08 PM Ignore gazguzzler11 Report Abuse I have a few problems with what is reported in this story + what people are posting: 1) I need somebody to explain to me how something UNDER the gas pedal makes the car accelerate. 2) Shutting off the ignition WILL NOT lock the steering column unless the car is in PARK. 3) One of the many computer modules in the car has a chip that limits the revs so all this talk about blowing the engine is unfounded.
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:2,986 Points:595,785 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 11:24:56 AM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse Thank you for posting.
DesertRat2011 Champion Author Riverside Posts:3,602 Points:482,880 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 8:10:14 AM Ignore DesertRat2011 Report Abuse Lets see in 50 + years of driving it has happened to me ZERO time !!
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:32,934 Points:2,342,585 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 3:26:26 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse If the vehicle is going faster and faster for No reason and there is No control, turn the key off (don't over rev the engine) and steer to the side of the road. The power steering will not work, so the steering wheel may be hard to turn. Stop, don't move and get help! Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very safe, reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. Consider using other forms of less expensive transportation to lower your cost. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,114 Points:1,352,710 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:33:03 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse Depending on the position of your engine, such as a side mounted front wheel drive vehicle, if you sling a rod through the side of the engine it could fire into the passenger area of the vehicle like a missle. Race cars usually have a steel plate in the fire wall to prevent this if the engine turns too many rpms. But in passenger cars the firewall usually isn't thick enough to stop a rod slung at 9,000 rpm or more, even after going through the engine block side wall. If it only comes loose at the wrist pin the crank shaft will still hold usually but if both connections let go it will be a large metal missle [Edited by: TIGERPAW46 at 8/14/2012 12:34:00 AM EST]
gem1224 Champion Author Tulsa Posts:1,541 Points:491,640 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:19:56 PM Ignore gem1224 Report Abuse LOL Really????
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,114 Points:1,352,710 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:12:09 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse This sometimes happens if the throttle gets stuck due to poor maintenance (not lubricating the throttle linkage or cables) or objects like shoes etc. wedge under the gas pedal. So it doesn't only happen in Toyotas. If your steering locks when you turn off your ignition, you can turn off the ignition allowing the engine to quit; then you can turn the ignition back on (don't turn all the way to re-crank), that will still allow you to steer. Steering & braking will require more effort without the power assist if your vehicle has that function. [Edited by: TIGERPAW46 at 8/14/2012 12:15:38 AM EST]
us4usa Champion Author Missouri Posts:5,976 Points:1,109,385 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:09:12 PM Ignore us4usa Report Abuse Common sense, trade in your Toyota and get a Ford...
Jarol Champion Author Iowa Posts:8,405 Points:1,590,215 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:08:02 PM Ignore Jarol Report Abuse Good tip.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,453 Points:660,025 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:08:01 PM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse If all fails, use the ejecton seat.
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,555 Points:2,442,210 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:06:48 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse DO NOT shut offf engine or you will immediately lose power assisted braking.
Bud122CA Champion Author California Posts:7,456 Points:1,603,150 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:03:16 PM Ignore Bud122CA Report Abuse common sence and experience goes a long way. Some people don't have it.
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:5,952 Points:1,273,075 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:01:59 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse Wow...all this happened near me. She is lucky nobody got hurt. It is a very busy highway with toll booths and backed up traffic.
Cashless Champion Author Akron Posts:3,505 Points:731,380 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:01:39 PM Ignore Cashless Report Abuse Good to know.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,114 Points:1,352,710 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:00:14 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse No don't put it into neutral, just turn off the ignition. Don't blow up the engine. Putting in neutral will allow the engine to turn too many RPM & BLOW THE ENGINE. If you just turn off the Ignition it will stop the engine. You will loose power assisted brakes & steering but you can still control the car. The steering & braking will just take more effort. [Edited by: TIGERPAW46 at 8/14/2012 12:05:19 AM EST]
bonzoonfmb Champion Author Florida Posts:1,767 Points:641,660 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:57:57 PM Ignore bonzoonfmb Report Abuse Except for Toyotas, what is the probability that this will happen?
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,067,300 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:56:32 PM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse Ok, fine.
Alaydown Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:5,098 Points:820,470 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:53:36 PM Ignore Alaydown Report Abuse This is common sense.
jerej829 Champion Author Memphis Posts:2,841 Points:690,940 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:51:33 PM Ignore jerej829 Report Abuse ok
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,835 Points:1,610,075 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:49:58 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “SUV's like the one that speed'ed up and crashed . . .” “common sense go's a long way.” Don’t you just love those misplaced apostrophes??!!
dchiou Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,811 Points:790,490 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:47:46 PM Ignore dchiou Report Abuse cool
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,835 Points:1,610,075 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:45:09 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse Mdski, “No, just simply reach over and turn the ignition key to OFF.” That works fine on older (simpler) cars but not so much with current vehicles. If you turn off the ignition in a vehicle with power steering it will suddenly become very hard to steer. If it has an interlock on the steering column the wheel will lock and you cannot steer at all. Get it into neutral, get the speed under control, then shut off the ignition. Better to over-rev the engine than to crash.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,048 Points:1,728,210 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:42:01 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse gas prices or logic class?
gd83goldwinger Champion Author South Bend Posts:1,428 Points:502,730 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:40:17 PM Ignore gd83goldwinger Report Abuse common sense go's a long way.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,835 Points:1,610,075 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:37:33 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “LuAnn Burgess . . . said her flip flop fell off and caused her accelerator to get stuck.” Driving with flip-flops is really stupid. Either go barefoot or wear shoes that will stay in place.
Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,290 Points:1,635,895 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:36:50 PM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse GOOD INFO!
mdskier Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,924 Points:1,780,660 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:36:32 PM Ignore mdskier Report Abuse No, just simply reach over and turn the ignition key to OFF. (I've done this a few times) then quickly put the car in neutral, else you overrev the engine. This, of course, does not work on keyless ignition cars like my Toyota Prius and some Acura SUV's like the one that speed'ed up and crashed in San Diego. You press AND HOLD the "Start" button in for 5 seconds to stop these.
petrpuck All-Star Author Hamilton Posts:559 Points:416,210 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:34:52 PM Ignore petrpuck Report Abuse really !!
PoohMcGoo Champion Author Alabama Posts:3,062 Points:797,360 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:32:25 PM Ignore PoohMcGoo Report Abuse Duhh
dirt girl Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:35,939 Points:3,068,980 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:31:57 PM Ignore dirt girl Report Abuse Not to bright restarting the car and driving when there was something obviously wrong. Would think that would be hard on the transmission too.
FlyNFool Champion Author South Carolina Posts:8,224 Points:1,681,950 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:29:45 PM Ignore FlyNFool Report Abuse Pop the thrust reversers!
bojiway1 Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,034 Points:475,260 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:29:25 PM Ignore bojiway1 Report Abuse keeping control and thinking things though, way to go
Mustache_33 All-Star Author Toronto Posts:900 Points:181,455 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:29:16 PM Ignore Mustache_33 Report Abuse Yes. Also note: Do not wear dumbass footwear like flip-flops and stilettos when driving. An ounce of less self-idiocy ... can save someone else's life.
wayoung56 Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,790 Points:816,385 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:28:05 PM Ignore wayoung56 Report Abuse Interesting article...
KY_Homeboy Veteran Author Kentucky Posts:301 Points:361,215 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:26:57 PM Ignore KY_Homeboy Report Abuse Great clear-headed thinking!
Bruno44 Champion Author Texas Posts:7,060 Points:1,765,270 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:26:53 PM Ignore Bruno44 Report Abuse monarch57, I did the same thing.
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:7,066 Points:2,467,190 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:24:55 PM Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse Congratulations for using your mind and solving a problem not of your making. If more people would use their minds instead of jumping to conclusions and complaining... a lot of things might work out better.
blazerbob91 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:6,125 Points:1,880,270 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:22:22 PM Ignore blazerbob91 Report Abuse Common sense
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:10,004 Points:1,484,930 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:21:39 PM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse Why risk lives to do it over again and again? Death wish?
monarch57 Champion Author British Columbia Posts:1,623 Points:135,360 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:20:11 PM Ignore monarch57 Report Abuse had that happen to me when I was in high school the gas pedal stuck on my dads 64 Mercury and I just shut off the key and the gas pedal freed itself. It turn out to be two broken motor mounts that caused it to jam.
mcmonsta Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,212 Points:815,520 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:18:54 PM Ignore mcmonsta Report Abuse some people are able to think and do...and some cannot react in a common sense matter. common sense is harder to find at any age
DriverofRed Champion Author Calgary Posts:2,163 Points:409,935 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:18:01 PM Ignore DriverofRed Report Abuse ok
drobbbb Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,460 Points:809,210 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:16:18 PM Ignore drobbbb Report Abuse ok
camel1 Champion Author Minnesota Posts:8,260 Points:2,264,665 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:15:57 PM Ignore camel1 Report Abuse some one can still think, how tremendously great that is to hear
saleboss Champion Author Phoenix Posts:3,924 Points:1,176,800 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:13:31 PM Ignore saleboss Report Abuse Was this one of the Toyota recall items?
Jeeputtputt Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,002 Points:677,465 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:12:37 PM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse isn't that how all cars run? mine does...