Alert to Hyundai owners: Teenage driver says car sped out of control in 100-plus-mile ride

[TexasTowelie]

ROCKWALL -– A North Texas family is trying to figure out why their teenage son’s Hyundai suddenly seemed to accelerate out of control.

The car raced along Texas highways for more than an hour at speeds of 100 miles per hour, while the 16-year-old driver pleaded with 911 dispatchers for help.

“Please, just do anything,” Elez Lushaj begged dispatchers in recordings obtained by News 8.

Emergency operators are heard on the calls frantically trying to find a solution. They urge the teenager - without success - to try different ways to bring the 2011 Hyundai Elantra under control, including putting it in neutral, or turning off the ignition.

More including video at http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/dallas/Sudden-Acceleration-teenage-driver-says-car-sped-out-of-control-192386781.html .

[Control-Z]

1. That kid did great!

I'm so glad to know he wasn't killed. Poor thing. An adult would have a difficult time dealing with what this boy went through. Yes, I think a law suit is in order. If it were my child, I would be livid.

[hollysmom]

2. interesting

car would not go into neutral, that is odd.

With computers controlling so many parts of a car now, who knows what untested source code is in there. I used to have the hardest time to convince my managers taht testing meant less fixes later.

[Historic NY]

3. Fly by wire throttle systems......

in the old days you'd use your toe to pull up the gas pedal, today not so much. The more and more systems depend on electronics, opens up the possibility one or more may have a defect. Keyless ignition systems that are becoming more & more prevalent, why not install a fail safe system to shut the car down.