SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- As Toyota and the Traffic Safety Administration continue to point fingers at each other over stuck accelerators, a new report by the L.A. Times points to a potential myriad of problems that could lead to high-speed crashes.
KCBS’ Tim Ryan Reports
San Rafael product liability attorney Louis Franecke represented a Central Valley man who was killed when a 2007 Camry sped 23 miles down Highway 101 from Redwood City at speeds of more than 100 miles an hour.
"The whole design of this accelerator in itself is something to be questioned," said Franecke.
However, he says the problem isn't just in the design. A floor mat jammed up against the accelerator was the key problem.
"Your first instinct is that you would think you could take it out of gear, or step on the brakes or just turn off the ignition, and in this case all three of those things are not possible," said Franecke.
The Times says the auto safety folks are far too slow to react to problems, and auto manufacturers rely on complex computers that control acceleration. Mat recalls are underway, but NHTSA now says that is just the quick fix.
(MGO)
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