Seems like a safe way to control the situation to me.
If i had a Toyota, I would even practice this in a safe location.
Our 2006 Prius has a “smart-key”. The system senses that you have the key on your person and unlocks the doors and allows you to start the car when you press the ON button on the dash. There is a gear shift on the dash but it doesn’t seem to be mechanical. One of the gears is B to be used for engine braking on steep hills etc.
Toyota has been selling the Prius since 2000, with excellent safety and reliability ratings. It is obvious to me that the Obama administration is out to destroy Toyota.
We also have a 2000 Toyota van which has 120,000 miles on it. We have never replaced anything on it except tires and batteries. It seems to be good for another 100,000 miles, but if I needed a car I would certainly buy another Toyota.