Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - SUV rollover deaths continue unabated but Toyota's pedals get all the bad press.

squatch81 · 01-29-2010, 08:00 PM

I have been driving SUV's and 4WD trucks for over 30 years, and haven't rolled one yet. However I have witnessed several rollovers over the years and all but one were caused by operator error. The odd one out was caused by a tire blowout, any may have been low air pressure (improper maintenance). SUV rollovers are usually caused by people trying to drive their trucks like they are sports cars, like in the above video. The bottom line is to know your vehicles limitations, and do not exceed them.
I believe Toyota's pedal problems have been greatly exaggerated by the media, but that doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. Unfortunately Toyota is trying to cover it up with smoke and mirrors.
Last fall when I read about Toyota blaming it on floor mats, I laughed out loud. Their current explanation (sticky linkage) doesn't hold water either, as far as I am concerned. I have an '02 Prius (not covered by the recall), and have experienced a malfunction such as is described on one occasion. I do not have aftermarket floor mats, and the factory mats were secured properly. I had just pulled out of my driveway and only traveled a few hundred feet when it suddenly took off like I had floored it. It actually felt like it was accelerating faster than it would have if I had floored it. The pedal came up when I took my foot off of it, but the car kept accelerating. I tried the brakes (no help), then slammed the accelerator to the floor a couple times, like I was taught in drivers ed so many years ago, and control returned to normal.
I do not blame Toyota because the car malfunctioned - equipment malfunctions happen all the time. Repairing malfunctioning equipment has kept a roof over my head and food in my gut all my adult life. My Toyota has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and if I could afford it I would buy another even if Toyota did nothing about this problem.
IMHO, if people could keep a clear head and be prepared for the unexpected, Toyota's current problems and SUV rollovers would both be non-issues. I think most crashes are caused by a loose nut between the seat and the steering wheel. I know every wreck I have been involved with has.

[/rant]

01-29-2010, 08:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
squatch81 EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I have been driving SUV's and 4WD trucks for over 30 years, and haven't rolled one yet. However I have witnessed several rollovers over the years and all but one were caused by operator error. The odd one out was caused by a tire blowout, any may have been low air pressure (improper maintenance). SUV rollovers are usually caused by people trying to drive their trucks like they are sports cars, like in the above video. The bottom line is to know your vehicles limitations, and do not exceed them. I believe Toyota's pedal problems have been greatly exaggerated by the media, but that doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. Unfortunately Toyota is trying to cover it up with smoke and mirrors. Last fall when I read about Toyota blaming it on floor mats, I laughed out loud. Their current explanation (sticky linkage) doesn't hold water either, as far as I am concerned. I have an '02 Prius (not covered by the recall), and have experienced a malfunction such as is described on one occasion. I do not have aftermarket floor mats, and the factory mats were secured properly. I had just pulled out of my driveway and only traveled a few hundred feet when it suddenly took off like I had floored it. It actually felt like it was accelerating faster than it would have if I had floored it. The pedal came up when I took my foot off of it, but the car kept accelerating. I tried the brakes (no help), then slammed the accelerator to the floor a couple times, like I was taught in drivers ed so many years ago, and control returned to normal. I do not blame Toyota because the car malfunctioned - equipment malfunctions happen all the time. Repairing malfunctioning equipment has kept a roof over my head and food in my gut all my adult life. My Toyota has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and if I could afford it I would buy another even if Toyota did nothing about this problem. IMHO, if people could keep a clear head and be prepared for the unexpected, Toyota's current problems and SUV rollovers would both be non-issues. I think most crashes are caused by a loose nut between the seat and the steering wheel. I know every wreck I have been involved with has. [/rant]