MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop D Headquarters - 3131 East Kearney - Springfield, MO 65803


NEWS ALERT

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2010-10
March 11, 2010

EMPHASIS: MEDIA EVENT: Patrol Demonstration--Reacting To Sudden Acceleration In Vehicles.


On Friday March 12, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol will conduct several demonstrations simulating what drivers should do in the event they experience sudden acceleration in their vehicle.
Accounts of crashes attributed to sudden acceleration or driver error have been wide spread recently. The Patrol hopes to inform and educate the public on procedures to follow if they find themselves in a situation of unexpected acceleration.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol Emergency Vehicle Operation Course Instructor (EVOC) will demonstrate vehicle controlling, braking, and stopping procedures in Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford vehicles. The Patrol EVOC instructor will demonstrate placing the vehicle in neutral slowly, applying the brakes, and coming to a safe and complete stop. Theories and concerns will be addressed as to whether the "ignition shut off" maneuver is dangerous or even suggested in a highly stressful situation.
Media representatives are invited to attend and ride-along during demonstrations. Media access will be paramount. Officials from the Patrol and Toyota will be present to answer any questions or address concerns. The demonstrations will take place on Lester Jones Boulevard near the Springfield/Branson Airport.

Directions: From Kearney, west of U.S. Highway 160, travel west and take Old Willard Road, North to Farm Road 104. Turn left on FR 104 to Lester Jones Blvd. The demonstration will begin at 10:00 a.m.

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