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    Video: CBS Early Show on unintended acceleration tragedy and driver strategy

    Consumer Reports News: January 22, 2010 12:14 PM

    The CBS Early Show today aired a segment filmed with Consumer Reports on the issue of sudden acceleration. Shot last week, the timing coincided with Toyota's announcement that it was recalling 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators. (Read: " More than floor mats: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators.") This latest recall is separate from, but in addition to, the company's recall of 3.8 million vehicles last October for issues that could result in uncontrolled acceleration. (There are approximately 1.7 million vehicles that are impacted by both recalls.)

    CBS consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen points out that unintended acceleration can happen on any vehicle, and the threat posed by misplaced floor mats has highlighted such risk. If it happened to you, would you know how to stop the vehicle?
    The segment highlights the tragic Lexus crash in California that brought the unintended acceleration issue to national attention. At the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, our engineers simulate a wide-open throttle condition for CBS and demonstrate the right and wrong ways to bring the car to a safe, controlled stop.

    The simple advice: If you experience unintended acceleration, put the transmission into neutral, press and hold the brakes, steer safely off the road, and shut off the vehicle when you come to a stop.

    Jeff Bartlett

    Related:
    Consumers Union calls for changes to strengthen U.S. car-safety net
    Toyota reportedly worked with feds to save $100 million in recalls
    Eight things that can dramatically improve auto safety
    Five key fixes automakers should make now to reduce unintended acceleration
    Unintended acceleration stories wanted
    How to tell if your Toyota is affected by the recent recalls
    Consumer Reports suspends recommendations for recalled Toyotas
    Toyota suspends sales, production of recalled vehicles
    More than floor mats: Toyota recalls 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerators
    Analysis shows over 40 percent of sudden-acceleration complaints involve Toyotas
    Toyota recalls 3.8 million cars to modify gas pedals, carpets, and software
    More than floor mats: NHTSA report gives more details on Lexus crash
    Putting a car in Neutral might save your life
    Putting stuck floor mat survival strategies to the test
    Floor mat survey reveals problem with all-weather mats
    Toyota and Lexus floor mat recall is official
    Toyota advises 3.8 million Lexus and Toyota owners to remove floor mats

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