11-28-2009, 03:49 PM
I have a '10 Prius.
Hold the "power" button in for 3 seconds to stop the engine when not in park. You have to hold it, as you don't want an accidental tap to shut it down. Of course, at 120 MPH 3 seconds is an eternity. Perhaps a "press power button 3 times fast" option might be a good alternative, as that's likely what a panicking driver might try.
Neutral is also possible at speed with the Prius self-centering shift paddle. However you have to hold the shifter in the neutral position for a moment to get it to shift into neutral. Less than three seconds, but not so short that an accidental tap will do it.
I think it's pretty obvious that the state trooper was simply not familiar with the car. The odds of the accelerator sticking AND the power button not responding AND the shift control not responding are, well, small. However, a more intuitive panic stop system would not be unwelcome, as uncontrolled acceleration is not the kind of thing you run into routinely.
Hold the "power" button in for 3 seconds to stop the engine when not in park. You have to hold it, as you don't want an accidental tap to shut it down. Of course, at 120 MPH 3 seconds is an eternity. Perhaps a "press power button 3 times fast" option might be a good alternative, as that's likely what a panicking driver might try.
Neutral is also possible at speed with the Prius self-centering shift paddle. However you have to hold the shifter in the neutral position for a moment to get it to shift into neutral. Less than three seconds, but not so short that an accidental tap will do it.
I think it's pretty obvious that the state trooper was simply not familiar with the car. The odds of the accelerator sticking AND the power button not responding AND the shift control not responding are, well, small. However, a more intuitive panic stop system would not be unwelcome, as uncontrolled acceleration is not the kind of thing you run into routinely.