KTRV Fox 12 Accelerator Gets Stuck -- What Experts Advise

Accelerator Gets Stuck -- What Experts Advise

Meridian, Idaho -- You probably heard about the Toyota Prius running out of control in California after an accelerator got stuck.

How would you react if the same thing happened to you?

Fox 12 News at Nine went to the experts to get some safety tips.

In the most recent California incident, the driver thought he had tried everything. His accelerator got stuck and he panicked. He tried his brakes and hand brake and then called 911.

But, he says he was afraid to put the car in neutral because it might go in reverse, and he didn't want to simply turn off the ignition because he thought the wheel would lock.

Neither of those fears is founded in almost all newer vehicles. Two simple moves that might have eliminated any danger.

Expert Advice

Cpl. Shawn Klitch has been with the Idaho State Police for 27 years and has investigated thousands of accidents. He says while a stuck accelerator is rare, it's still important to always stay alert.

"If your accelerator gets stuck, don't panic. Check if your pedal is stuck on your floor mat, or if your accelerator is stuck, see if that's the problem first. Once you confirm the accelerator really is stuck, you can shift into neutral," said Klitch.

If that doesn't work, you can even turn off the ignition and in almost all newer model vehicles the steering wheel won't lock. Simply slow down and pull over.

Fox 12 News found a Prius owner who bought her car three weeks ago.Recent news that the Prius has accelerator problems concern her.

"Actually, I wasn't sure what to do, I had heard of the stories and was getting concerned as to what I would do in a situation like that and I had no idea," said Sarah Graham. "I have young children and they're in the car with me a lot. So it's really scary to think there could be problems when you're driving, that your pedal could stick and be out of control. So yeah, it's definitely concerning."

Unrehearsed and never having tried it herself, we asked her to get her car up to speed and put her car in neutral. Keep in mind we were doing this on a secured closed training range.

"There's no acceleration, just coasting. The car is just slowing down; I can operate my brake, yeah, in total control," Graham said as she came to a stop.

She was easily and safely able to shift into neutral and come to a stop. That, along with some simple advice, can keep you alive.

"When I'm patrolling, I'm in the game. That's what I call it, in the game. I'm attentive to what I'm doing," said Klitch.

Hands on the wheel and paying attention, the experts say, will help keep all four of your wheels on the road.

Safety tips are also in the Idaho Driver's Manual which you can also find online.What busy people need to know is pay attention and don't panic.Practice in a safe place like a parking lot.

One other safety tip, if one of your front tires blows do not use your brakes.

"Get off the gas, keep that steering wheel straight, get rid of that speed, and when you come down to slow speed, safely move off to the shoulder," said Klitch.