Initial Reports Slam “Runaway Prius” Story
Toyota and the NHTSA have both released initial reports regarding the reported “runaway Prius” driven by Jim Sikes in a much publicized incident that occurred on March 8.
Sikes claimed that the accelerator in his Prius had become stuck and that he was unable to stop the vehicle. ToyoLand.com reported on that incident and then reported on inconsistencies that were present in Mr. Sikes’ story.
Now, the preliminary reports show that Mr. Sikes’ story is unlikely. The NHTSA reports that it has been unable to duplicate events as Mr. Sikes claims that they happened. Toyota takes it a step further, stating, “Toyota engineers believe that it would be extremely difficult for the Prius to be driven at a continuous high speed with more than light brake-pedal pressure, and that the assertion that the vehicle could not be stopped with the brakes is fundamentally inconsistent with basic vehicle design and the investigation observations.”
Toyoata’s statement adds, “These findings suggest that there should be further examination of Mr. Sikes account of the events of March 8.”
Analysis of the onboard computer shows that during the drive, there were repeated, quick applications of the brake and the accelerator- as if someone had intentionally “ridden” the brakes. A firm press of the brake would automatically cut the accelerator- a design issue with the Prius (all hybrids) because pressing both pedals would ultimately cause the electric engine to overload and seize up.
In fact, data indicates that the brakes were pressed more than 250 times during the incident and that they worked normally each time.
Brake wear on the Prius seemed to support the electronic testing, as front brakes were found to have overheated from being partially depressed but were still functional. Rear brakes were undamaged.
All systems in the Prius that would have prevented unintended acceleration in the vehicle were working and there was no indication of mechanical or electrical interference with the accelerator.
