02/23/10 at 10:23amStopping Your Runaway Car

According to the Consumer Reports Car Blog, there are five steps that can save your life if you find yourself in a runaway car caused by sudden and unintended acceleration.

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 call for help. Do not attempt to drive the car.

Consumer Reports suggests that you memorize these steps in case you experience unintended acceleration. Practice makes perfect so you might consider practicing them in a safe location at low speeds. They could save your life and those of your loved ones and others.

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