Is there anyone that hasn’t heard of the Toyota “unintended acceleration” issues?  I doubt it.  The media seems to almost be reveling in 911 tapes and scary stories of cars running away uncontrollably.

But, unless there is a failure in the brake system, the brakes can overpower the engine.  Car and Driver did a test, and they aren’t the only ones.

If your car takes off, press (not stomp…) the brakes.  Shift into neutral.  Do NOT cut off your car until you are stopped.  What you need to NOT do is panic.  Don’t let it get out of control.  Do something BEFORE you are going 100mph.

And don’t forget, the media loves a good game of “Pile On”.  Right now, Toyota is on the bottom of the pile and the media is beating them up for all they are worth.  Lawyers smell blood and there are plenty of others that are happy to have the opportunity to grandstand.  It isn’t as bad as it seems… it is just the flavor of the day.

Be safe.

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