A device for controlling operational safety and emergency driving of an internal combustion engine with self-ignition used to power a motor vehicle, comprising means for continuously monitoring various operating parameters of the engine, including means for generating respective signals indicative at least of gas pedal position, engine operating speed, brake actuation, and actual control rod displacement, and driving speed;
- means for evaluating such signals, including means for examining the signals generated by said monitoring means for an indication of a sequential occurrence of the gas pedal and brake actuation signals;
- and means for controlling the operation of the engine on the basis of such evaluation performed by said evaluating means, including means for initiating a safety driving operation only upon the detection by said examining means of said sequential occurrence for avoiding unwarranted reduction in the amount of injected fuel.