Mysql Statements With Priority

Hello, does somebody know if there is any possibilities to stablish a PRIORITY on INSERTS and SELECTS statements keeping the functionality of ActiveRecords?
We want to low the priority for INSERTS on import process (importing 4000 AR is very stressfull for our server and crash it everytimes)

You have more infor for PRIORITIES here:
http://www.tuxradar.com/practicalphp/18/2/1

thanks
Alex