Toyota’s Chief Executive recently apologized for the company’s vehicle safety problems that have led to injuries and deaths.
Toyota’s Chief Executive, Akio Toyoda, recently appeared before Congress to apologize for the company’s vehicle safety problems that have led to injuries and deaths. Over the last few months, Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles worldwide, with 6 million recalled in the U.S.
Toyota recalled multiple models for problems with unintended acceleration and recalled its popular Prius hybrid for braking issues. Authorities are currently investigating reports of faulty steering wheels on some Corollas.
Some reports indicate that Toyota knew of the acceleration issue for at least a year before the recall, but that the problems were not properly communicated within the company or to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some believe that the recalls and suggested repairs, which target the automobiles’ mechanical systems, have not fixed what may be the true cause of the problem: the electronic throttle system. Toyota denies there is a problem with its electronic systems, but Akio Toyoda now says an independent advisory board will look into the issue.
Out of Control on Colorado’s I-70
Ted James, a middle school science teacher and environmentalist, believes the electronics are flawed. His wife, Elizabeth, suffered severe back and intestinal injuries when her Prius suddenly accelerated to 90 mph on a mountain highway near Denver in 2006. Fortunately, no one was killed during the incident, but she is still emotionally traumatized from her ordeal.
James, who received a $10,000 education grant from Toyota in 2000, repeatedly reported a possible electronic throttle problem in the Prius, first through his dealer, and when he did not hear back, through his lawyer. He first reported in simple good faith, believing the company would be equally concerned, but he became more insistent as Toyota seemed to dismiss his concerns. When he heard about the fatal crash three years later that killed four family members when their Lexus accelerated out of control in San Diego, he was horrified and even more determined to find out the truth.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Suddenly Accelerates
Consumer Reports offers the following procedure to stop a runaway vehicle:
Brake firmly. Do not pump the brakes. Do not turn off the engine because doing so would turn off your power brakes and steering.
Shift the transmission into neutral.
Steer to a safe location and come to a stop.
Turn off the engine with the transmission still in neutral.
Shift the transmission into park or, with a manual transmission, put on the emergency brake.
Call for help and do not try to drive the vehicle.
