ERM-BC-COOP: Pedal to the metal

 

Toyota is in the process of modifying a number of its models because of run-away engines.

At first the problem was blamed on a floor mat; then something else.

The problem was discussed by talking heads and reported on paper.

But, to the best of my knowledge, no one made any suggestion about what to do it the car continued to accelerate.

Which, being a former reporter, I think is derelict.

What to do is - should be - a "no brainer."

Shift the car into Neutral (do NOT shut off the engine).

Look for a safe place to stop.

When the vehicle's stopped safely off the road, THEN shut off the engine.

If the engine is shut down - or shuts down - before the vehicle is safely off the roadway, the car's power steering and power breaks suddenly become worse-than-manual/pre-power versions and that can lead to an accident.

The problem, and my complaint with both the media and the manufacturer, is that no one talks about "What to do if" situations. (My Hyundai Elantra Owner's Manual fails to mention the possibility.)

As a person who has been in some strange situations, I know the value of considering all the "what if"s and training - again and again and again - to respond when the "what if" happens.

When I was confirming that putting the vehicle in Neutral would not cause any damage, a couple of the respondents (see http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2132859.page) noted that, in my synopsis, lack of training prevents the driver from making the correct decision and taking the correct action.

Since my business is risk management, and since risk management includes responding if the risk insists occurring , and since responding requires training exercises, I find the lack of information in my Owner's Manual and in the media a sad state of affairs. How can people practice an emergency action if they don't know (a) that the risk is there and (b) there is an action to take.

All of the above, of course, goes to prove that risk management is a process that belongs not only in the office or factory but in the home and car as well.

John Glenn, MBCI
Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale FL
Looking for staff or staff consulting work preferably in or from southeast Florida
1-727-542-7843