My mother ran a needle through her finger when I was about 6yrs old (now a Sr. Citizen) She had the presence of mind to unscrew the needle screw and ran to the neighbor with the needle in her finger. Had to pull it out with pliers. In Jr. High a girl did the same, and I calmly unscrewed the needle. Everyone was flabbergasted as to how I knew to do that! I don't think I would turn off my embroidery machine to change a needle, even though it sounds like a great idea for safety, but I would loose my design, and that would not be acceptable! So I guess I will continue to be sure my foot isn't on the foot peddle (don't use it anyway for embroidery) and don't push the start button. Otherwise it doesn't go by itself (or at least not so far)!