Toyota Drivers Curious About Sticking Accelerator

CBS

What can you do if you experience a sticking accelerator while driving a Toyota? The automaker recommends several options.

"If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure," says its web site adding you should shift the gear selector into neutral, brake to a stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.

WBZ went to In Control Advanced Driver Training's North Andover campus for a demonstration.

"I'm going to try simulating with my right foot on the throttle," says instructor Kevin Stromski driving a Camry which he says has already had the recall fix. Stromski showed us what he would do if he experienced sudden acceleration in a Toyota. "With a sticky throttle, it's accelerating. I'm going to go for the brakes. You'll feel it start to slow down but then, as I pop it into neutral, you'll hear the ABS (automatic braking system) kick in," he explains.

WBZ received a stack of Curiosities from viewers on sudden acceleration, several of which ask 'why not simply put the car in neutral?' That's part of what's being recommended. "Obviously, the first thing you should do is hit the brakes as hard as you can. Slam on that brake pedal," Stromski urges. "But as I start to press the brakes, you'll feel the car start to slow down. As soon as I pop it into neutral, that's when you hear the ABS kick in." Stromski says he and Toyota do NOT recommend pumping the brakes because that will deplete the vaccuum that assists the braking system. "You should immediately go for the brakes, full-on brakes and that means full power, as hard as you can on those brakes and keep your foot down on those brakes," he stresses.

Stromski says do that only in an emergency; don't try it unless it's absolutely necessary. The advanced driving instructor says although Toyota recommends turning off the engine if you cannot put the car in neutral, that will cause a loss of power assistance to brakes and steering and should be done "only as a last resort." Toyota's web site cautions, "each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment."

© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.