Ginny explains how the Prius works and why things like, "just turn the key off" aren't helpful.

[NYC_SKP]

Ginny drives a 2007 Prius with 75,000 miles, more or less, and all the options.

The Prius doesn't have a key, it has a button. With keyless entry, it doesn't even need a key.

The Prius doesn't have ordinary brakes or steering, these are electronically assisted (as the gasoline motor is sometimes not running at all)

The Prius has an electronic shifter with R, N, D, and B positions. "B" is for deceleration using the engine's compression.

You can move the shift lever all you want, but if the electronics don't feel like complying, you don't really know what might happen.

The Prius has front disc brakes and drum rear brakes and the front wheels use regenerative braking.

The Prius has a foot operated parking brake that could be used in an emergency but is inadequate for locking up the wheels in an emergency.

Any braking/steering attempts may be met with interference by the electronic anti-lock braking system.

The electronic cruise control is electronically tied to both the electronic accelerator and the electronically assisted braking system and, almost certainly, to the RNDB shift lever.

In short, when discussing what YOU would do in an unexpected acceleration event, please refrain from making comparisons to a 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne.



:donut: