You're right, and I guess this shows how driver education can save lives, especially now that drivers really don't need to understand how cars work (I sure don't).  Years later, I still distinctly remember my instructor describing what you could do if your brakes fail.<p>Are you sure that power steering requires the main engine, or does it use a different power source? Perhaps the kill switch could disable everything except power steering, unless it's held down? I've read that turning the car off using the key doesn't disable power steering unless it's turned all the way, so that would provide similar functionality.