WHILE MY WIFE, LINDA, WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 1-2 MPH, TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING AND LEAPED FORWARD. HITTING THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT ON STOPPING THE VEHICLE. SHE DESPERATELY TURNED THE WHEEL TO MISS PARKED CARS, A STEEL POLE WAS HIT AND TORN OUT OF THE GROUND BY THE RUNAWAY VEHICLE. FINALLY THE CAR CAME TO REST AFTER HITTING A LARGE CONCRETE LIGHT POLE, WHICH MUST HAVE STALLED OUT THE ENGINE. MY WIFE WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TESTS / XRAYS. EVEN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON, SHE RECEIVED MAJOR IMPACT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO HER CHEST.