In August 2012, Laurie Ulfstead, a woman from Iowa, found herself in a life-threatening situation when the accelerator in her 2011 Kia Sorrento SUV got stuck. The ordeal unfolded as she was driving home from visiting a friend, with her speed reaching a staggering 120 miles per hour.
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The harrowing 911 call she made while desperately trying to control her runaway vehicle reveals the panic and fear she experienced. Laurie, unable to stop her car, described her attempts to engage the brakes, put the car in neutral, and even turn it off – all in vain. The dispatcher, Joseph from Harrison County, calmly guided her through various attempts to regain control.
During the 35-minute crisis, Laurie reached speeds as high as 115 miles per hour, swerving to avoid other vehicles and driving over the highway median to prevent collisions. The dispatcher, maintaining a reassuring tone, provided instructions, including trying to shut down the engine and engaging the emergency brake.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol officers, alerted to the situation, began following Laurie’s car and captured the terrifying journey on dash camera video. Despite the danger, Laurie remained on the line with the dispatcher, desperately seeking a solution.
After a nerve-wracking 59 miles, Laurie managed to release the accelerator, hit the brake, and bring the car to a stop. Remarkably, she suffered no significant injuries in the crash. The car manufacturer, Irvine, expressed a commitment to working with Laurie on finding a solution to the mechanical issue.
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Laurie’s handling of the situation was praised by Patrol Sheldon Lyon, who marveled at her ability not only to drive at high speeds but also to navigate the vehicle through challenging maneuvers without overcorrecting.
The incident underscores the importance of remaining calm in emergencies, the value of effective 911 communication, and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure vehicle safety. Laurie’s courage and resilience in the face of a life-threatening crisis serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the unpredictable challenges one may encounter on the road.
@911insights2 Terrifying 911 Call Captures Woman's 59-Mile High-Speed Ordeal in Stuck Accelerator Crisis-Part 1 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights
@911insights2 Terrifying 911 Call Captures Woman's 59-Mile High-Speed Ordeal in Stuck Accelerator Crisis-Part 2 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights
@911insights2 Terrifying 911 Call Captures Woman's 59-Mile High-Speed Ordeal in Stuck Accelerator Crisis-Part 3 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights
@911insights2 Terrifying 911 Call Captures Woman's 59-Mile High-Speed Ordeal in Stuck Accelerator Crisis-Part 4 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights
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