06-08-2014, 07:33 AM | #1 |
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Course of action in uncontrolled accceleration scenario
So we've all heard about the problems GM, Toyota, and others have had with their cars going into uncontrolled acceleration. What is the way to react in this situation with a 2 series and automatic transmission? Apparently many cars these days will prevent the brakes from working if the accelerator is engaged, and they will also prevent you from shifting to neutral (with an automatic). Is that the case with BMWs? Can you hold down the start/stop button to turn the car off while it is moving? Can you shift to neutral with the paddle shifters if the accelerator is engaged?
Any tips on how to react in this admittedly unlikely scenario? |
06-08-2014, 08:00 AM | #2 |
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although not sure of how it works specifically for a/t (i have a m/t), but a show once in discovery channel showed what to do and not to do in this type of situation... they suggested putting the gear in neutral and gradually applying breaks. on the other hand, they said do NOT do the following: turn off the engine (push start/stop button) as it may disable your power/electronic assist steering and breaks; rely only on pulling the hand break as it will lock the rear wheels and spin you out of control.
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06-08-2014, 08:10 AM | #3 | |
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Nothing prevents the brakes from working^... at any time, ever...! |
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06-08-2014, 10:32 AM | #5 | |
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I also know of no vehicles which prevent shifting from D to N while under way. I haven't checked the FMVSS requirements on this one, but I believe the capability is a regulatory requirement. It is true that a particular car or group of cars may have a malfunction, but this is not by design intent, and each situation must be evaluated on the evidence. Therefore, the best advice is to shift to N and press firmly on the brakes. In the panic of the moment, it is not clear that all drivers in those situations followed that, or were able to follow that process, for example, if a floor mat was blocking the brake pedal. |
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06-08-2014, 11:41 AM | #6 |
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Ok, I guess there is some misinformation out there then regarding those accidents due to stuck acceleration. Some people probably panic and don't try the obvious stuff then lie about it afterwards so they don't look like incompetent morons.
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06-08-2014, 01:19 PM | #7 |
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Its the other way around... Some cars cut the gas when both the accelerator and brakes are hit. It takes a special kind of stupid to program the BRAKES to be disabled in any condition.
The manufacturers have it figured out already, just shift into neutral. |
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06-08-2014, 02:59 PM | #9 |
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I still call b.s. on all those uncontrolled acceleration cases and quite a few of them were proved to be driver error. One of the Toyota ones had to do with floor mats which wasn't hard to fix.
If it did happen there are many things you could do such as put the car in neutral. A floored accelerator shouldn't prevent you from going to neutral. Last edited by five3three; 06-08-2014 at 04:08 PM.. |
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06-08-2014, 03:49 PM | #10 |
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I would strongly advise against shutting the car off. One loses power assist for steering and brakes, may engage the steering column lock, and as some unfortunate GM owners found out, turn off the air bag for the possible imminent impact.
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06-08-2014, 04:34 PM | #11 |
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06-08-2014, 06:25 PM | #12 |
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I heard jumping out the window is the best option.
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06-09-2014, 01:27 AM | #13 | |
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Some cars will prevent the accelerator from working when the brakes are engaged, but the brakes will engage under all circumstances. That doesn't mean the brakes will be effective under all circumstances. If the accelerator is, say, stuck in the floor mat, and you apply the brakes only partially, the brake pads could eventually overheat, reducing their ability to stop the car. If you fully apply the brakes immediately, however, the car should be able to stop even if you are going fast and the accelerator is floored. Finally, I know of no car that doesn't allow you to shift into neutral while moving. If the accelerator is stuck, or the car is accelerating on its own, you should definitely try to shift into neutral.
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06-09-2014, 09:23 AM | #15 |
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Living on the edge lol
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06-09-2014, 10:50 AM | #16 |
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Climbing out sunroof, working way to back of car, gingerly launching off is safer.
That whole Toyota debacle was a sham. Nearly every incidence was driver error. Lots of media coverage of the problem, practically none regarding the fact that it was by and large driver error. Some people panic during situations that others react calmly to. Hopefully you're one of the calm ones. This is not a problem worth giving a second thought to. |
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06-09-2014, 12:00 PM | #17 |
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Also let's not lose sight that your brakes can easily overpower the motor. Your braking distances would be longer but your brakes will win out. Below is an interesting article on the situation.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...d-acceleration |
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