Flying through
 

"A motorist broke down in tears as he told how his car hit 130mph after the accelerator jammed and became stuck to the floor. Kevin Nicolle, 25, was unable to stop his BMW and thought he was going to die. He sped through three counties before crashing and overturning at a roundabout."

He couldnt engage neutral on this automatic care and didnt dare turn of the engine in case he lost power steering. Now I always thought that this was impossible in cars especially the "posh" ones. Is it possible or just a one off?

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/11032006/14...ator-jams.html

Re: Flying through
 

I wonder if he'll still have to pay speeding charges if he was clocked by any speed cameras?

Re: Flying through
 

He should have been able to turn off the Engine without loosing the steering altogether it is just the same as if the power steering belt snapped and the pump stopped the supply of fluid to the mechanism. The steering would become stiff due to the fact that the driver would be not only steering the vehicle but pushing the fluid along the hydraulic pipes manually, but he seemed to be on a comparatively straight road it would not matter, he could have just switched off the ignition and steered the vehicle to a halt. (Something that no amount of money can buy-Experience)

Re: Flying through
 

I think his fear of losing control of the steering overode the decision to turn the ignition off!!

He had an open mobile link on his hands free to the police throughout the whole scary episode and they had the police helicopter following him from above.

I bet his pants needed cleaning after :eek:

Re: Flying through
 

had he turned the engine off, although the steering would be heavier he would have been on a slow down and would have been able to brake the car to a halt rather than burn the brakes out fighting against the engine on full revs.

Re: Flying through
 

He also had a link with either the AA or RAC can't remember which one, you would have thought one of them would have known exactly what would have happened if he turned the engine of. Poor bloke wouldn't fancy his fines or points on his license.

Re: Flying through
 

I wonder why, if he was in contact with the police, they didn't unroll one of those spikey things in his path to pop his tyres, like they do with stolen cars sometimes?

Re: Flying through
 

at that speed garry 4 blown out tyres would be a disaster.

Re: Flying through
 

Luckily because of his contact with the police, there will be no speeding charges!! Somehow at the time I bet that was the least of his worries.

Funny thing was, when he was about to be cut out he asked the firemen if they really needed to cut through his car.... fireman said "Don't worry mate, its a write off" He walked away with cuts and bruises :)

Re: Flying through
 

Experience ? Not exactly a situation you come across though every day, and something you wouldn't wish to practice either.

Re: Flying through
 

Yes Indeed, the experience of knowing how things work so you are prepared for them when the modern technology fails and the common sense takes over.

Re: Flying through
 

Understand what you are saying Ernie, but some questions you forget to ask in the 'What if ? ' category. A little like driving in snow .. you know you should not break in a skid and turn your wheel in the opposite direction of the curve, but instinctively you brake, and don't tell me no one has been guilty of this, even the most experienced.

Think I might have turned off the ignition here through abject panic not giving a thought to the power steering, which doesn't work when I try to coast my car down my drive.

Anyway, good thread as we have probably all learnt something today. :thumbsup:
although some differences of opinionI feel.

Re: Flying through
 

I would be worried if I turned the ignition off that the steering lock would then click in anyway!!! Especially in the situation this man was in! :eek:

Re: Flying through
 

No difference of opinion really Kate, I agree we all have been in the skidding on ice scenario over the years but it is this that adds to the experience. I agree it was an excellent subject and we all have indeed learned from this mans plight. I just hope he gets it sorted soon and it hasn't unnerved him from driving in the future.

Re: Flying through
 

It's obviously not unnerved him that much as he said he will def be getting another BMW. I think it was to do with the fact he walked away from the crash that ended the runaway car and it ending on its roof and he only got cuts and bruises to show for it!!