Here We Go Again! State Troopers Blame Recent Fatal Toyota Crash On Stuck Gas Pedal

In Agent009's defense, Toyota issued a statement yesterday responding to this allegation.

I think this is tragic, but I also think this crash could just as easily be blamed on the 66 year old behind the wheel. The preliminary results of the NHTSA study show that most people had their feet on the wrong pedal before a crash.

I ask you, is a person *more likely* or *less likely* to have their foot on the wrong pedal if they're 66 years old?

I know that there are skid marks at the scene, but they're only from one set of tires (don't think that indicates brake application). Sadly, I'd bet the driver killed himself.

People go by what they believe. In other words, for the man whose only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

For those too young to remember, this is playing out very much like the infamous Audi Unintended Acceleration debacle, in which the media and public crucified Audi for sticky gas pedals, yet after much ado, investigation, and even an inquiry, when the dust settled, the conclusion was "pedal misapplication" was at fault, or in less kind words, the driver was mashing the gas pedal when they *thought* they were standing on the brake.

Again, I stress that I don't know if a Toyota defect actually exists or not, but so far, this looks like an Audi replay.

Steve is correct this is an assumption based on the witnesses, not proof of a real issue.

I think I am seeing some anti-009 sentiment here. As at the time of this post, I see +5 for what Steve said (Posted on 11/16/2010 10:55:03 AM), and -1 for Agent009 agreeing. This just doesn't make sense to me, unless some folks believe Agent009 is "always wrong," or they have a hate-on for him.

Anyone notice the correlation between unintended acceleration and being a senior citizen? What evidence would there be that differentiates a "stuck pedal" and a "misaplied pedal"? Anyone? The brakes on the camry OVERRIDE the engine. (see Motortrends' test of the v6 camry SE)

THANK YOU!!! If you gas pedal gets stuck on any car the brakes easily over power the engine. Even if you floor it and apply the brakes it will still stop the car from 60 mph surprisingly well, however I wouldn't make multiple attempts at it because the brakes would overheat

And here is another recent case!


http://www.newsfirst5.com/news/suv-crashes-into-colorado-springs-animal-hospital/

OK was the car taken in for a recall before the crash? If not can Toyota be responsible or is it the drivers fault for not getting the recall work done.

To *my* way of thinking, we need to assess what the proven cause of the crash really is, and not get side-tracked with red-herrings such as "was there a recall issued" or "did the owner get the recall service done." For example, if there is a recall pertaining to elevated risk of power-steering pump failure, and the car crashes with no sign of power-steering pump issues, then this matter matter is not relevant to the crash.

In other words, in *my* mind, what *might* be the cause of the crash is of little consequence. What *is* the cause of the crash is of utmost interest. But that's just me.

But toyota corporation is better quality than the Germans just ask the Lexus fanboys...hahahahahahahahaha

Do we really need to put a sign saying "STICK IT IN NEUTRAL" on the dash for every Toyota owner?

lol ya, do they? The very fact that they need may need to is also saying something about the product...

I think cars need kill switches as standard on the steering wheel. A heavily sprung button on the 12 O'clock.

In order to have a "kill switch", you need to have an independent back-up system(s) to allow the user to properly operate the steering and brake systems on the car.

The fact is that most new vehicles employ throttle by wire, hydraulic or electronic assisted steering and brake systems, a kill switch without such back-up systems would lead to more deaths and collateral damage.

the kill switch just has to be a "neutral button" but it's ridiculous to even suggest it should be required.

most of the comments want to place the blame on the drivers and there age but if it was the case why dose this only happen in Toyota's fanboys just stop it. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CARS!

Though there may be an undiscovered, or hidden, defect with these cars, your argument is weaken by the fact that you have chosen to ignore two crucial facts:

1. The Camry was/has been the best selling car in America for quite a few years. With this many Toyotas on the road, Toyotas are statistically more likely to be involved in these types of incidents.

2. You have not investigated or eliminated the traits/demographics of current Camry drivers such as: age, driving experience, physical & mental capabilities, etc.

Its not the floor mats...the pedals are too close together. I have an 08 Camry SE and quite often if my foot isn't square on the pedal it can easily fall on the accelerator the car will take off.
Still one of the best cars I ever owned though.

T

Yes...but heaven forbid we actually blame the driver's inability to properly operate a vehicle. Old person, "defective car" or not...with proper driving technique all of these crashes could have been avoided.

In a society of big fat cars and automatic transmissions people have become lazy and forgotten how to actually drive.

Just sayin'.

Good picture of the "Bangle Butt" you Lexus/Toyboys love to laugh about.

That Camry actually looks good!

The CHP officer that died with his family was not old and I am sure knew how to drive better than most on this thread.Until this happened it was always supposed to be old people not being able to drive.Toyotas have a history of problems like Engine sludge,Tie rods braking and brake problems yet they get the best reviews.I remember a comparison of 15 passenger Vans and guess what the put a Sienna in it and it won.Drives like a car the article said.I cannot remember which car magazine did it.Toyota soon will learn not everyone is a bad driver.

Shouldn't the CHP officer know to switch to neutral? Shouldn't he be able to press hard on the brake pedal and engage the parking brake? And he's supposed to judge how we drive on the roads...

the CHP death was a direct result of a dealership that used the wrong mats.....they admitted guilt and paid the lawsuit. Had nothing to do with electronics or anything else for that matter. YES the driver SHOULD be able to shift into neutral. But nobody knows how they'd react in an emergency.

lol yeah
panic happens during emergencies.
And yeah. Many still don't realize that CHP case was a dealer problem.

@ asternmadkatz

"With proper driving technique all of these crashes could have been avoided."

Jeez... It's truly amazing that you've performed such a thorough investigation of each accident and have come to a conclusion that NO ONE ... not the federal government, not Toyota, not any of the attorneys involved... have been able to come to.

Guess YOU MUST HAVE BEEN THERE at the time each of these accidents occurred. Thank you for sharing.

Obviously, only Toyota owners get confused by cars they have owned and driven for years. It can't possibly be a Toyota electronics fault, because there is no such thing in the world as an electronic malfunction - and the proof is that software and computers never, never, never malfunction. Right? Uh-huh.

So, I suppose these "its the driver fault" people would also say - If your home computer crashes, it is always your own fault - you simply hit the wrong pedal...I mean...button. LOL.

how many times do you read about some old man/lady driving into the front of a laundry mat/bank pizza place? happens all the time. The brand of the car is only an issue when it's a Toyota.

Right right the engine sludge was because the oil used was wrong and the tie rods breaking was because the driver turned too much and the tail gates broke because the trucks were loaded too much and the brakes failed because the driver braked too much.Right right driver fault and they top the reliability list all the time.