Article

2010-07-14 Science & Technology

USDoT: It's Stupid Drivers, Not Dangerous Toyotas

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Posted by trailing wife 2010-07-14 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11126 views ] Top

#1 As a rule of thumb used in acupuncture medicine, "If a patient complains of a problem, there is a problem, whether or not you can find it. Keep looking."

This is one of the most profoundly scientific statements the Orient has ever produced, and can be applied to an amazing array of circumstances.

Posted by Anonymoose 2010-07-14 09:13|| 2010-07-14 09:13|| Front Page Top

#2 Toyotas don't have a crash data recorder (air bag module) module that can be readily read by accident reconstructionists. Ford, GM, and Chryler do. Toyota is able to read their vehicle data. Looks like NHTSA also has the capability. If Toyota made their crash data available to accident reconstructionists, some of their problems might go away. I've always thought some of these claims were scams; others driver error and maybe just possibly some throttle problems--but doubtful. Cars are designed such that braking forces are about three times greater than acceleration forces. The car ought to be capable of stopping under runaway acceleration if such a thing should happen.

I have been suspicious about this being a political problem. Obumble takes over GM and Chrysler. Ford didn't take stimulus funds so they don't have to cow-tow to the Feds other than meet Fed standards. Obumble is beholden to the unions, so he insures their jobs and continuity by taking over American car firms. Payoffs for 2008 votes and contributions.

Posted by JohnQC 2010-07-14 09:59|| 2010-07-14 09:59|| Front Page Top

#3 Machines don't generally pick on old folks. Although it does seem that way sometimes.

Posted by mojo 2010-07-14 11:38|| 2010-07-14 11:38|| Front Page Top

#4 I have not driven or even seen the interior of one of these vehicles - is there anything which would have kept the driver from shifting the vehicle into neutral during an uncontrolled acceleration, human or electrically caused?

Fergoddsakes don't shut the engine off, and ferdoublegoddsakes don't shut the engine off and lock the steering system.

Posted by swksvolFF 2010-07-14 11:54|| 2010-07-14 11:54|| Front Page Top

#5 Interesting point there John, compounded by the fact most Toyota plants are non union attacking Toyota makes sence.

Posted by 49 Pan 2010-07-14 13:14|| 2010-07-14 13:14|| Front Page Top

#6 The only Toyota union plant was in Fremont, CA and it closed in 2010. Tesla recently purchased this plant.

Posted by JohnQC 2010-07-14 14:43|| 2010-07-14 14:43|| Front Page Top

#7 Obama is a sock-puppet for the unions. Not surprising that his administration would go after Toyota.

Posted by DMFD 2010-07-14 19:07|| 2010-07-14 19:07|| Front Page Top

#8 Maybe Toyota, with all their money and connections could send the Yakuza after some of Barry's people. Maybe do the old Ginzu action them.

Send Barry a message and some body parts.

Posted by Sporong and Tenille6082 2010-07-14 19:52|| 2010-07-14 19:52|| Front Page Top

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