When Cars Suddently Accelerate, Why Don't Drivers Shut off the Engine?
Let's say you are driving your car, OK a Toyota, and the car suddenly acclerates. Shutting off the engine or putting the transmission in neutral seems like a good idea. An AP article raises the question why drivers do not have the presence of mind to shut off the engine if the car accelerates on its own.
According to the article, experts say making these moves is almost impossible for most drivers to consider when they're in a panic, because frightened people often can't remember even simple steps to protect themselves.
"You're stamping on the brakes and your attention is going to be focused on where you're going and steering. There's no cognitive space left to think of alternatives," said Dr. Boadie Dunlop, a psychiatrist and director of the Mood and Anxiety Program at Emory University. "To do something that's not natural, such as turning off the engine, is just not going to come to mind."
Anothe problem is that some Toyota and Lexus vehicles have push-button ignitions that require drivers to hold the button down for three seconds to turn off the engine. Drivers would not necessarily know that is the case.
