I own a 1995 Lincoln Town car with cruise control and an automatic transmission. On January 30, 2006 I was returning home from a doctor's appointment, driving on the interstate at approximately 70 mph, using cruise control. As traffic changed lanes, I tapped my brakes to maneuver, but the cruise control did not shut off. I used my brakes fully then, but still no response. I managed to maneuver the car through traffic into the break down lane and force the transmission into neutral and the car began to slow. It was only after the car's speed dropped to approximately 25 mph that the cruise control was deactivated. As soon as I could maneuver off the highway, I parked the car and walked around calming myself. When I got back in the car, it would start, but not go out park. I had the car towed to my garage, where they discovered a melted cruise control sensor. Now I am too afraid of a repeated incident to use my cruise control. This greatly limits my functioning, since I have rheumatoid arthritis, and it is painful for me to use my right foot constantly.

- Gulfport, FL, USA