Pimp hit it right on the head . That's why I worded it the way I did .
As for throwing it in neutral , I think she was more imediately concerned about not crashing going around the corner before the intersection (it's in a rural area - 2-lane) . Plus , like was said , at nearly 70 I'm sure her reflexes are not like they were 25 years ago . I'm just glad she had the wherewithall to turn off the key before she hit a tree .
She was lucky .

~~~~~~~ Phil Black & Tan 2000 SVT Contour #2137 of 2150 35,000 miles & counting !