Group Issues Protocol for Runaway Vehicles

In the aftermath of several high-profile crashes believed to be caused by unanticipated acceleration of Toyota vehicles, a national protocol group has issued a set of instructions dispatchers can give 911 callers who report they cannot stop their runaway vehicle. The National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAEMD) are allowing any agency to use the protocols under a limited license that includes pre-use dispatcher training. The protocols include instructions to get the vehicle into neutral (N), to turn off the engine, and bring the car to a stop at a safe location. The protocol is manufacturer-neutral, and includes suggestions for both key and button-operated ignition systems. You can read about the protocol and access the links to the PDF format cards here.