Quote:
Originally Posted by JCL
The problem at the moment is that many owners, lawyers, and legislators, are on a 'bash Toyota' campaign. I certainly can accept that there may be an electronic problem that causes some incidents in Toyotas and other makes of vehicles. However, the hysteria that is blaming Toyota and others for every bump is ridiculous.
The other day there was a news story whereby an owner drove for miles, apparently unable to slow down. He phoned several people from his cell phone while driving. The highway patrol pulled up beside him at speed, and told him over the megaphone to shut the car off. He did. Situation resolved. In what strange warped world is that a nationally newsworthy story? Why does he have a driver's license?
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... Something or, somethings may be glitching in some of those cars, but some of the incidents are unbelievable in terms of the drivers'
lack of common sense and reactions.
From the rags today, the guy with the Prius that took him for a half hour "ride". (He is a year younger than I am, too; damn, I look good.
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That San Diego case against Toyota is starting to look shaky.
As USA TODAY's Sharon Silke Carty reports, runaway driving victim James Sikes was having financial problems and the Associated Press says his Prius was equipped with an advanced pedal system designed to shut down the car. If it turns out that the Prius case is a phony, Toyota might be able to parlay it into getting everyone to accept the idea that its explanation for all its troubles surrounding unintended acceleration -- jamming pedals and sticky accelerators -- was right all along and that the cars' computers are not to blame.
The latest about why that San Diego case may be falling apart:
- His Prius was equipped with a brake override system. It would have curtailed the acceleration if he pressed the accelerator and brake in a way that indicated he was confused or panicked.
- He was deeply in debt and has retained a law firm, even though so far he says doesn't plan to sue Toyota.
- His answer on why he didn't shift the car in neutral to stop the acceleration raised more questions. He told Carty he was afraid that would "flip the car." He also says, "I've since found out that's not possible, but I had no idea. Hopefully, I helped save five to 10 lives because people are now finding out" how to put a moving Prius into neutral.
