Several instances have been reported over the past few years of Toyota and Lexus vehicles experiencing uncontrollable runaway engines resulting in speeds of more than 100 mph. One instance resulted in the death of a California family when their Lexus reached speeds of more than 120 mph before crashing. In another case, a man and his wife plunged over an ocean side cliff, resulting in the death of the wife.

On September 29th, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Consumer Safety Bulletin warning of potential problems with a series of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Following reports of runaway engines in these vehicles, Toyota determined that the floor mat could possibly jam the accelerator pedal causing a runaway acceleration. Toyota issued a letter on November 2, 2009, stating that an exhaustive review had been conducted and advised all owners of the affected vehicles to remove the driver side floor mats and not replace them until a remedy can be developed.

News stories by ABC and other news organizations are calling the Toyota claim of misplaced floor mats into question. Some experts believe that there may be a flaw in the engine computer program causing the runaway acceleration. Toyota and the NHTSA deny that this is the case. The experts go further to say that the computerized system lacks a fail-safe mechanism that allows for an emergency shut-down of the vehicle.

This article is not intended to determine who is right in this debate, but rather to provide information to Toyota and Lexus owners on what steps they should take if they experience a runaway engine.

The following models are affected:

2007 - 2010 Camry

2005 - 2010 Avalon

2004 - 2009 Prius

2005 - 2010 Tacoma

2007 - 2010 Tundra

2007 - 2010 ES350

2006 - 2010 IS250 and IS350

Owners should first follow the advice of Toyota and remove the floor mats.

Drivers may panic if confronted with this situation so every owner of a Toyota should read the emergency procedures and go over the procedures in their mind whenever they start the car.

Brakes May be Ineffective - If those who contend the problem goes deeper than floor mats are correct, applying the brakes in this situation may not be effective. In most modern vehicles, power assisted brakes operate by drawing a vacuum supplied by the engine. If the throttle sticks in the full open position, the vacuum will be lost and the power assisted brakes will fail after one or two pumps of the brake pedal. Even if the brakes are working properly, it would be difficult for them to stop a runaway vehicle traveling more than 100 mph.

If confronted by a runaway engine, drivers should:

Steer and look for an emergency escape route – Try to maintain control of the vehicle and look for a way to escape. At all times, look at where you want to steer the vehicle and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Drivers should predict what they will do at all times and keep an emergency exit plan in mind. If the road ahead is clear, remaining on the pavement may be the safest option. If there is traffic ahead and you have to consider driving off the road, look for soft soil or bushes that will assist in slowing the vehicle. Driving against a curb can also help slow the vehicle. In extreme situations, steer to make a glancing side blow rather than a head-on collision with another object.

Apply both the Emergency/Parking brake and the standard brakes - The emergency brake is a mechanical system that depends on cables and levers rather than hydraulic (brake fluid) pressure to apply the brakes. If confronted with a runaway engine, owners should apply the brakes and, at the same time, immediately apply the emergency brake. Owners should review their vehicle owner’s manual for proper operation of the emergency brake. In some cases, brake cables and connections can become corroded and weaken if the emergency braking system is not frequently applied. You should have your emergency brakes checked for proper operation and use them on a regular basis to keep them in good working order.

Shift to Neutral - If unable to shift to neutral, turn the key to the Off or ACC position.

Turn the engine to the Off or Accessories (ACC) position - Most Toyotas are programmed to prevent accidental shut off of the engine while the vehicle is in motion.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a standard key type ignition, turn the key mid-way to the off/accessories position.


• If your vehicle is equipped with a power button, you must press and hold the button for more than 3 seconds before the engine will shut off. Do not push repeatedly on the button; it must be pressed firmly for more than 3 seconds. In vehicles with an electronic transmission system (such as the Prius), once the engine shuts off the transmission will shift to neutral and the control will shift to ACC.

DO NOT TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY TO THE OFF POSITION OR REMOVE THE KEY! Turning the key all the way to the off position or removing it will lock the steering wheel.

Exit the vehicle - Once you bring the car to a complete stop, all vehicle occupants should immediately exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from the vehicle. The hot brakes could cause a vehicle fire.

For more information on the Toyota recall, monitor the following web sites:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.f2217bee37fb302f6d7c121046108a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=279f2449f4604210VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&pressReleaseYearSelect=2009

Toyota.com: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

Labels: driver safey, emergency brake, runaway acceleration, runaway engine

Its that time of the year again. Time to fall back and set the clocks to Standard time. The change can cause disruptions while our mind and body adapt to the new time and that disruption can extend to our driving.

Changing back from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time occurs on the first Sunday in November and that falls on November 1st this year. The time change officially happens at 2:00 AM on Sunday November 1st. Falling back means setting the clock back one hour; at 2:00 AM set your clocks back to 1:00 AM. The great thing about falling back is that we all get an extra hour of sleep on Saturday night. Those who don't get the word will probably arrive at church an hour early and wonder where everyone is or why that football game hasn't started yet.

The time change is always somewhat confusing because it takes our minds a few days to adapt to the new change. Those of you who are used to waking up and beginning your morning commute in the dark will be waking up to the sunrise. Those who enjoy the extra sunlight after work will be getting home in the dark.

The time change in the fall isn't as disruptive as the spring time change. In spring we lose an hour of sleep and sleep experts say that losing even one hour of sleep can have an impact on our driving; driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. However, even though we aren't going to lose any sleep, our driving can still be affected because of the time it takes our internal clock to adjust to the change.

Our internal biological clock or circadian rhythm, regulates our wake sleep cycle. It was easy before clocks were invented; we woke up at dawn and we went to sleep when it got dark. Sleep experts also say it is natural for us to become sleepy in the late afternoon. In the modern world, our days are regulated by the clock and that mechanical clock can sometimes come into conflict with our biological clock. Some sleep experts suggest that we follow the example of Meditteranean cultures and allow employees to nap in the afternoon in order to gain maximum performance. When we force ourselves to remain awake through that natural afternoon drowsy time, it can lead to drowsiness behind the wheel on the long commute home. One survey of drivers found that more than one-third (35%) of drivers who nodded off while driving within the previous six months say their last experience occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. An additional 17% report they nodded off between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

A newly released study using mice (that also has implications for humans) found that when circadian rhythm cycles were disrupted, the mice didn't perform as well in maze tests as the control group whose circadian patterns weren't disrupted. They also exhibited impulsive behavior which, for human drivers, can mean trying to beat that light or pulling out in front of another car. When darkness suddenly falls an hour earlier, drivers may find themselves driving a little faster; trying to get home before daylight fades.

Another problem occurs because light conditions at dusk - before total darkness - can be confusing. Shapes that show up clearly in daylight or in a car's headlights may not show up as clearly at dusk. A study conducted in 1995 found that the number of auto/pedestrian crashes increased substantially in the period following the time change back to standard time. Kids are still walking home from practice or trying to get in a little extra playing time with their neighborhood pals before total darkness. A University of California trauma center found a "62 percent increase in the number of children in auto-vs-pedestrian crashes and auto-vs.-bicycle crashes in the two weeks following the October time change. Of these victims, 90 percent had severe injuries and required surgery."

Until their body clock adjusts to the new time, drivers should be especially cautious during the first few weeks after the time change. Get plenty of sleep, don't give in to the impulse to rush home to beat the sunset, and be especially watchful for pedestrians.

Drowsy driving prevention week is Nov. 2 – 8. For more information on sleep and sleep disorders, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s web site at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

Labels: driver safety, drowsy driving

As baby boomers reach retirement age, their medicine cabinets seem to become more and more crowded with all the medications needed to fight off the infirmities of old age. Blood pressure, heart problems, aches, and pains increase with every passing year and so do the visits to the doctor. Unfortunately, the AARP generation apparently isn't being warned about the effects that these medications may have on their ability to drive safely.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety sponsored a study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham to assess the knowledge of older drivers regarding their medication use and the medication's effects on their driving. The study surveyed 630 Alabama adults aged 55 and over. Data from previous studies that served as a basis for this research showed that:

Senior citizens are safe drivers with one of the lowest collision rates among all age groups;

Older drivers have the highest collision rate per mile traveled because they tend to drive fewer miles and remain close to home.

Due to chronic medical conditions, older adults are often forced to take multiple medications that can potentially impact their ability to drive.

A recent survey found that medication use increases with age with 44% of men and 57% of woman aged 65 and older using five or more medications weekly.

The rate of older adults using multiple medications has increased from 54% in 1998 to 67% in 2003.

Research has reported that increased number of medical conditions is associated with increased risk of motor vehicle crashes among older adults.

The AAA study revealed that:

"The majority of those surveyed (92%) said driving was their preferred mode of transportation and 60% said they drove six or seven days per week.

95% of respondents reported having had one or more medical condition and respondents 75 and older reported the most medical conditions as well as taking the greatest number of potentially driver impairing medications.

78% of respondents reported using one or more medications, but only 28% acknowledged some awareness of the potential impact of these medications on driving performance.

19% of respondents reported using five or more medications and 12.1% reported taking five or more prescription medications.

Only 18% had received warnings about potentially driver impairing medications - include ACE inhibitors, sedatives, and beta blockers - from a healthcare professional.

• However, 69% currently use one or more prescription potentially driver impairing medication and 10% said they currently use five or more potentially driver-impairing medications.
  
  
• Of those using five or more potentially driver impairing medications, just 22% said they had some awareness of the potential impact on driving and only 19 percent received a warning from healthcare professional."
  

Older drivers and those with less education appeared to have the least awareness of the risks.

These findings are disturbing because it shows that health care professionals aren't taking the time to warn of the potential risks involved in these medications and those taking the medications aren't asking those critical questions. Many people don't realize that commonly prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can affect their ability to drive safely. Some may feel that these medications wouldn't be prescribed or deemed safe for sale over-the-counter if they posed any dangers however, under some conditions, a driver can be arrested for DUI when driving under the influence of these medications.

The study specifically addressed commonly prescribed medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and sedatives.

Beta Blockers are commonly prescribed to reduce blood pressure or to control abnormal heart rhythm. Some possible side effects of these medications can include:

• headache


• depression


• confusion


• dizziness


• hallucinations

ACE inhibitors are used to control blood pressure, prevent strokes and prevent kidney damage in those patients suffering from hypertension or diabetes. Possible side effects of these drugs include:

• low blood pressure


• dizziness


• drowsiness


• weakness

As people age they often encounter sleep problems and are sometimes prescribed sedatives. Sedatives obviously can affect driving and users should see how they react to the drug before driving. There have been reports of users of Ambien, a prescription sleep aid, walking, driving, and making midnight phone calls with no memory of the event the next day.

Common over-the-counter allergy and cold relief medications such as Benedryl cause drowsiness and can have as great an impact on your driving as alcohol.

Often, older people are prescribed different drugs from different doctors with no knowledge of how those medications may react with the other medications they are taking. Older drivers should inform their doctors of all the drugs they are taking and ask how those drugs may interact with others and what effect the medications may have on their driving. Concerned family members should get involved and help older relatives compile a list of their medications and ask about the side effects.

Pharmacists are also an excellent resource and sometimes may have an even better understanding of the medication's side effects than the physician. Pharmacists can keep a list of the medications you are taking and can warn of possible drug interactions and side effects.

It is always best to check with your physician or pharmacist but there are also on-line resources that can be of help. One of the best is http://www.drugs.com/. This free web site allows you to enter all your medications and lists side effects and possible interactions with other drugs you are taking that may affect your driving. You can also request to be notified by email of any Food and Drug Administration alerts on your medications.

Almost all of the common medications that older people take have warnings about consuming alcohol while taking the medication. Mixing alcohol and medications can have a increased impact on driving abilities and can cause a drug interaction that could be fatal.

Labels: driver safety, older drivers, over-the-counter medications, senior citizens, senior drivers, vehicle accidents

View Full Post posted by NSC - Traffic Safety : 9:59 AM

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The chill is in the air. Orange is the dominant color and kids are beginning to think of their plans for October 31st. Before you go out shopping for costumes and buying bags of candy this year, spend a few minutes planning the night ahead.

Identify what type of celebrations will be taking place and where they will be located. Not only will it help determine your plans, it will help you be an aware driver as you travel on the roadways. If you will be attending a party, plan for a designated driver or commit to not drink. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and driving. Driving under the influence can kill or cause trauma, be expensive and embarrassing.

When costume planning, make sure that all costumes fit appropriately and will not restrict movement or visibility, either as a pedestrian or behind the wheel. Ensure foot wear is sturdy. Tripping, falling, difficulty steering or braking can be dangerous!

Add reflective tape to costumes and replace flash light batteries to ensure you will be visible, whether escorting trick or treaters or attending an event yourself. Confirm any children you are with have flashlights, glow stick, bright candy bags, and reflective tape on costumes as well. Clear up any yard obstructions, water hoses, and overgrown vegetation to make it easier to see and maneuver for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Know your planned route, to avoid the unexpected. Plan to travel in well lighted areas. If walking, use sidewalks and crosswalks. If driving, avoid areas of heavy pedestrian traffic and park in areas with the greatest visibility. Design alternate routes that will provide the least amount of risk and the most amount of safety. Arrange to give yourself extra time to and from your destination.

Halloween is on Saturday this year, so expect the festivities to begin early in the day and prepare to be a defensive driver. If you can, avoid driving on Halloween.

Be alert for kids playing in costumes during the day, darting from house to house or in between parked cars. Pay special attention beginning at 4:30pm for the younger treat seekers. Turn your head lights on to make your vehicle more visible. Drivers need to be especially diligent driving during dusk through the night time as visibility is reduced.

Reduce distractions. Make sure your cell phone is on silent, your radio volume is low and your passengers are aware to minimize distractions and assist with being alert to the surrounding environment.

Be extra cautious as you pull into and leave driveways, parking lots and alleys for children that may dart out between cars, at roadways, medians and on curves. Be sure to check your blind spots thoroughly and maintain a search and scan of the driving environment every three seconds.

Travel well below the posted speed limit. Be extra patient with pedestrians and other vehicles and always be prepared to stop at a given moment. They may be carrying trick or treaters and be distracted. Avoid passing or going around stopped vehicles. They may have passengers entering and exiting hurriedly and carelessly.

Halloween can truly be a fun night full of great memories! Take a few steps to keep it safe and trouble free.

Labels: halloween, holiday driving, safety tips

The explosion of aggressive driving on Florida's highways has gotten the attention of the Florida legislature and they took action during the 2009 legislative session in an attempt to change driver attitudes. On October 1st, several laws went into effect that will impact Floridians who choose to drive aggressively. Depending on the offense, the new laws are designed to increase the expense of certain aggressive driving offenses and to educate drivers with the goal of changing their driving behaviors.

Aggressive driving will cost more

Florida statute 318.18(5) (c) increases fines by an additional $65 for drivers who pass a stopped school bus, are convicted of reckless driving, or participate in racing on any Florida road. The additional $65 is a civil penalty and the money will go to fund hospital trauma centers throughout the state.

Three Strikes

Florida statute 322.0261 (1) requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to screen crash reports for:

(a) A crash involving death or a bodily injury requiring transport to a medical facility;

(b) A second crash by the same operator within the previous 2-year period involving property damage in an apparent amount of at least $500; or

(c) A third crash by the same operator within 36 months after the first crash.

Those drivers convicted of either (a) or (b) above will have to attend a department approved driver improvement course within 90 days after receiving notification from the department or face suspension of their license.

A driver convicted of (c), a third crash within a 36 month period, must attend a driver improvement course that includes a behind-the-wheel portion and must successfully pass a behind-the-wheel exam in order to keep their driving privileges. This course must be completed within 90 days after receiving notification from the department.

Mandatory Driving School

Florida statute 322.0261 (1) also requires drivers to attend a department approved driver improvement school of they are convicted of any of the following offenses:

FS 316.074(1) or 316.075(1)(c)1 Running a stop sign or a red light.

FS 316.172 Failing to stop for a stopped school bus while its stop lights are flashing.

FS 316.191 Racing on the highways.

FS 316.192 Reckless driving

Drivers will want to be aware of these new statutes and take care; the State is cracking down on aggressive drivers. Drivers might also want to take a good hard look at their driving behaviors and, if they sometimes engage in any of these traffic offenses, may want to consider attending a traffic school voluntarily to learn ways to modify their driving behavior before they face the increased fines, increased insurance rates and mandatory schools. It would be a lot cheaper. A good question for a driver to ask of themselves is; is the time you save worth the risk?

Labels: florida traffic law, mandatory traffic school, stopped school bus

Few issues have riled up motorists over the past few years as much as the issue of red light cameras. On one side are those in favor of red light cameras and on the other are those who claim the cameras are just a way for municipalities to increase their revenue and that the cameras are a violation of a motorist’s rights. There is also conflicting data on whether or not the cameras actually reduce the rate of collisions at red lights.

The Problem

One issue that is not really in dispute is the fact that red light running has grown to epidemic proportions in the U.S. According to studies cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS);

• 55.8 percent of Americans admit to running red lights; yet;
  
• 96 percent of drivers were afraid of being hit by a red light runner.
  
• In 2007, almost 900 people were killed and an estimated 153,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running.
  
• About half of the deaths in red light running crashes are pedestrians and occupants in other vehicles who are hit by the red light runners.
  
• Motorists are more likely to be injured in urban crashes involving red light running than in other types of urban crashes.
  
• Occupant injuries occurred in 45 percent of red light running crashes, compared with 30 percent of other crash types.
  
• Analysis of red light violation data from 19 intersections (without red light cameras) in four states found that, per intersection, motorists ran red lights at an average rate of 3.2 per hour.
  

Red Light Cameras Increase Rather Than Reduce Collisions at Red Lights

Some have claimed that use of red light cameras actually increase the number of rear end collisions because drivers don't expect someone ahead to stop for a yellow light; however the facts don't bear that out. According to the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running, the opposite is true. Their web site lists the following figures for some cities that operate red light cameras:

• New Orleans, LA - red light cameras led to an 85% drop in red light running and speed cameras led to an 84% drop in speeding.
  
• Montgomery County, MD - relative to comparison sites drivers traveling more than 10 mph above posted speed limits declined by about 70% at locations with both warning signs and speed camera enforcement.
  
• Council Bluffs, IA - a 90% reduction in red light running crashes.
  
• Washington, DC - red light running fatalities were reduced from 16 to 2 in the first two years of red light cameras.
  
• Fairfax, VA - a 44% reduction in red light running crashes.
  
• Oxnard, CA - a 22% reduction in red light crashes citywide.
  
• New York City - a 34% reduction in red light violations.
  

Red Light Cameras Are Just A Way for Cities to Make More Money

Some municipalities did experience an increase in revenue after installing cameras and found them to be a profitable enterprise; at first. However, after drivers realized cameras were installed and started stopping for red lights, revenues fell sharply; in some cases, costing more money than they earned. Cities that install cameras as a revenue generator are installing them for the wrong reasons and will certainly be disappointed. Cities who install the cameras to cut down on the death and injury rate at intersections find that they pay off in other ways:

• The cost of posting police officers at each intersection 24 hours a day would be prohibitive.
  
• Fewer collisions lead to lower costs for law enforcement and fire/rescue services.
  
• Fewer collisions mean fewer traffic jams and greater productivity.
  
• Fewer injuries mean lower hospital and emergency room costs for taxpayers.
  
• New Federal Highway Administration research estimates total societal cost reductions from red light cameras to be over $14 million per year, or $38,000 for each U.S. red light camera location.
  

California, recognizing that the purpose of red light cameras is to save lives, passed a law that keeps cities from installing cameras in order to generate revenue and their law could serve as a model for other states. California’s red light camera law requires that municipalities issue warning tickets only for the first 30 days that a camera is in operation. This gives motorists time to realize the camera is there and stop on their own. The law also requires that the contract between a city and a camera operator cannot provide any financial incentive to the operator to issue more tickets.

Red Lights Are an Invasion of Privacy

The Supreme Court has held that there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy when an individual is in public; someone who is breaking the law on a city street should not be able to hide behind the Fourth Amendment. Red light cameras do not run constantly and do not take pictures of every vehicle. They only take photos of cars that are running the red light. Motorists who stop for the red light don’t have to fear that the camera will take their picture.

They're Illegal

State Supreme Courts are divided on this issue with some courts deciding that use of cameras violate state law as currently written and other state courts finding that municipalities can use the cameras even if state law says nothing about the issue.

States could solve the legal issues surrounding red light camera by creating legislation and providing policy guidance to cities. The Governor's Highway Administration web site provides a lot of information on the issue along with policy and guidance for states. It's hard to calculate the cost of lives, injuries, and property damage that never happen. If this technology can save one life, it is worth the cost.

Labels: red light camera, traffic crashes, traffic laws, traffic safety, traffic violations

The torrential rains that struck northern Alabama and Georgia this week have created swollen rivers and streams throughout the area. Some of the deaths that resulted from the floods resulted because the victims didn't appreciate the depth and force of the rushing water. The flooding is causing some very hazardous driving conditions. More than half of flash flood deaths are auto related. Before you go out in these conditions it's a good time to review the hazards of flooded roads and steps you should take to avoid them or, in the worst scenario, to escape from a flooding situation. Here are some important facts about to remember about flooding:

Every flood is dangerous to drivers. Even if the water running across the road appears shallow, what you can't see under the rushing water is the greatest hazard of all. The road could be washed out and the water may be much deeper than you realize. Even if it appears intact, the roadway could collapse under the weight of your vehicle.

Less than an inch of water can cause a driver to lose control.

As little as six inches of rushing water has enough force to push your car off the road.

Your car can float in as little as two feet of water and you could be washed away into a flooded stream or river.

In hilly or mountainous areas, flash floods can occur long after the rain has stopped and far away from the site of a rain storm.

The force of rushing water and debris can be strong enough to cause bridges to collapse.

Summer thunderstorms can dump one to two inches of rain in a very short time.

Flood waters can rise at a rapid rate.


What should you do to avoid flooded roadways?

If you live in mountainous, hilly, or flood prone areas, pay attention to weather reports. If there are warnings of flooding, take an alternate route if it is available.

If the roadway is flooded, even a little, don't attempt to drive through the water. Turn around and take an alternate route.

Temporary barriers blocking flooded roadways are placed by emergency personnel for a reason; never drive around them into a flooded area.

If you find yourself stalled in rising flood waters, do not attempt to stay with the car. A floating car can be swept into deeper water and can easily roll over. Escape if possible and get to higher ground immediately. Many flood related fatalities occur when people try to stay with the vehicle.

If the rushing water is too deep and the current is too strong, you will have to make a judgment call about staying with the vehicle. Turn around before you get into that position.

Be especially cautious when driving at night when it is much more difficult to recognize flooding conditions.

Remember that emergency personnel will be overwhelmed and may not be able to get to you for some time.

Labels: driver safety, flood waters, weather conditions

View Full Post posted by NSC - Traffic Safety : 2:18 PM

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