Toyota Troubles!

How many of those Toyota's have keyless ignitions (push button starter)? Does anyone have a car with keyless ignition, like the Nissan Altima?

What happens if you try to shut it off while driving. Will the car actually shut off, or is the button disabled while driving to prevent the driver from accidentally shutting the engine off?

For years, GM cars have computer controlls that do not allow the engine above a certain rpm while in neutral. 4000 rpm in a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is one example.

It would be difficult to give generic advice on what to do in the event of a runaway car. Every car is different. Got a manual trans? Just step on the clutch. They are not all that simple.

You may be comfortable in your vehicle, but how many times have you gotten into an unfamiliar car, maybe at night, and felt like you never drove a car before because the shifter/wipers/headlights etc were different from your regular car. My daily driver is a manual. When I get into my wifes car to start it (an automatic) my left foot usually makes a stab for the clutch, which isn't there.

As stated before, teach your family members what to do in case of an emergency like this. Go to the open parking lot, or vacant road, and actually do it. Find out if you can shut the car off, slowly rev it in neutral and see if there is a lower rpm cutoff, try to brake while accelerating. It could make all the difference.