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Originally Posted by MagicRat
This is mostly not an issue.
Virtually any modern car has brakes which can easily control an engine at full throttle.
You can easily try it yourself. Drive down the road. Mash the throttle to the floor (left foot) then hit the brake at the same time with your right foot. The car will slow down almost as quickly as it would normally.
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I frequently do this maneuver with my students, the brake does stop the car, but much more slowly.
The reports say the drivers were pushing as hard as they could on the brake, but with no braking power. This is I believe why they think it it is a problem with the electrical system, not the gas or brake pedal.
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I think the problem here is with inexperienced drivers. When the throttle gets stuck, drivers are faced with an unfamiliar situation and do not know what to do. They panic and do nothing or simply do not step on the brake hard enough.
It is remotely possible that the brakes could fail at precisely the same time the gas pedal gets stuck, but this is extremely unlikely.
I think shutting off the engine and coasting is the worst choice.
You will lose the power assist for the brakes so they are less effective after a couple of pumps, and usually lose power steering, so the steering is stiffer, as well as forward power. All of this is bad.
If in the very unlikely situation the brakes cannot fully control the car, go to neutral.
Interestingly enough, the Prius, (like some other electronic throttle cars, I think) will drop to idle when you engage neutral, regardless of the throttle position. Look here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=980304
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Very interesting. Those videos convince me neutral is the way to go in the Prius, however many new drivers will have an older vehicle for their first car that would ruin the engine if you pushed it to neutral. Would the Camry and Corolla be the same?