Comments on: Mismatched floor mat implicated in catastrophic Lexus crash http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: pavlindrom http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-531510 pavlindrom Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:20 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-531510 How things change until now... How things change until now…

]]> By: E55AMGDUDE http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-493592 E55AMGDUDE Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:20:59 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-493592 You have to be kidding that floor mats took their lives? Give me a break ! !! speaking of no response from his brakes, how about the emergency brake or do the jap crap Lexus even come with this feature, what training did this guy go thru???? We recently got rid of a JAP CRAP Lexus that my girlfriend had and she is so glad its gone nothing beats German cars ! ! ! one more thing did he even think that turning off the ignition mught do something or jam the shifter into PARK or just try something besides making a call You have to be kidding that floor mats took their lives? Give me a break ! !! speaking of no response from his brakes, how about the emergency brake or do the jap crap Lexus even come with this feature, what training did this guy go thru???? We recently got rid of a JAP CRAP Lexus that my girlfriend had and she is so glad its gone nothing beats German cars ! ! ! one more thing did he even think that turning off the ignition mught do something or jam the shifter into PARK or just try something besides making a call

]]> By: Armishanks http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-493235 Armishanks Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:33:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-493235 Wouldn't have downshifting out of Drive to a lower gear at least slowed the car down even if it was redlining? Wouldn’t have downshifting out of Drive to a lower gear at least slowed the car down even if it was redlining?

]]> By: beatusmongous http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-488974 beatusmongous Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:40:28 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-488974 Why didn't she put her car in neutral? Most likely because she didn't think about it. Why didn’t she put her car in neutral?

Most likely because she didn’t think about it.

]]> By: dpark135 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-488733 dpark135 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:45:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-488733 A similar incident happened with my mom this July.. She was driving on interstate 15 near Barstow, CA when her 2006 Lexus GS suddenly accelerated for no reason… she recalled not being able to slow down her car either as she stomped on the brakes… she was by herself and fortunately she walked away from the accident with only minor injuries…she said she was well over 100 mph, and started to panic when the brakes didn’t respond the only thing she could do was turn on her hazards and then directed her vehicle to center divider… she crashed against it and eventually she was able to slow her car down…there were other cars that inadvertently crashed into each other trying to avoid her… the car was completely totaled, but god was with her and the other drivers.. no one was seriously hurt…she said the paramedics were astonished she wasn’t killed in the accident She didn’t say anything about floor mats though after the accident.. however a few weeks before she had her car repaired at Jim Faulk Lexus for a mfg recall, it took about 3 days for the recall work…she suspects a possibly malfunction from repair A similar incident happened with my mom this July.. She was driving on interstate 15 near Barstow, CA when her 2006 Lexus GS suddenly accelerated for no reason… she recalled not being able to slow down her car either as she stomped on the brakes… she was by herself and fortunately she walked away from the accident with only minor injuries…she said she was well over 100 mph, and started to panic when the brakes didn’t respond the only thing she could do was turn on her hazards and then directed her vehicle to center divider… she crashed against it and eventually she was able to slow her car down…there were other cars that inadvertently crashed into each other trying to avoid her… the car was completely totaled, but god was with her and the other drivers.. no one was seriously hurt…she said the paramedics were astonished she wasn’t killed in the accident

She didn’t say anything about floor mats though after the accident.. however a few weeks before she had her car repaired at Jim Faulk Lexus for a mfg recall, it took about 3 days for the recall work…she suspects a possibly malfunction from repair

]]> By: idrinorbarsaku http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-487181 idrinorbarsaku Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:06:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-487181 I was at lexus with my a couple of people, and this discussion over the gas pedal came up. Apparently, they are doing test all day and night to see what could have caused this to happen. They came up with the conclusion while a lexus es350 was on a dyno. Lexus, almost all of the dealers, when they have a lexus rental, the put the ORIGINAL floor mats upside down to protect them from getting dirty! The top part, which is now facing down, has no place to anchor, and when you put an all weather mats on top, which is very grippy, it was very easy to move both of the mats around within the area of the gas/brake pedal! They also said that it was impossible to try and get the mat to make the pedal stick without forcefully trying, which was VERY noticeable because the mat would curve around the pedal. WATERACER, WTF are you talking about? There wouldn't be this problem if something got stuck under the gas pedal! IT GOT STUCK ON TOP OF THE GAS PEDAL, pushing the gas!!! This problem is worse for cars that have the gas pedal hinged at the bottom at the foot rest area! I honestly don't even know what you're talking about! I was at lexus with my a couple of people, and this discussion over the gas pedal came up. Apparently, they are doing test all day and night to see what could have caused this to happen. They came up with the conclusion while a lexus es350 was on a dyno. Lexus, almost all of the dealers, when they have a lexus rental, the put the ORIGINAL floor mats upside down to protect them from getting dirty! The top part, which is now facing down, has no place to anchor, and when you put an all weather mats on top, which is very grippy, it was very easy to move both of the mats around within the area of the gas/brake pedal! They also said that it was impossible to try and get the mat to make the pedal stick without forcefully trying, which was VERY noticeable because the mat would curve around the pedal.

WATERACER,
WTF are you talking about? There wouldn’t be this problem if something got stuck under the gas pedal! IT GOT STUCK ON TOP OF THE GAS PEDAL, pushing the gas!!! This problem is worse for cars that have the gas pedal hinged at the bottom at the foot rest area! I honestly don’t even know what you’re talking about!

]]> By: WATERACER http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486991 WATERACER Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:39:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486991 I'm a former Master Toyota technician that worked at a Lexus dealership for 5 years, this can and does happen, the real problem is the gas pedall is free hanging from the firewall unlike in a Mercedes that is hinged from the floor. When the gas pedal is free hanging anything can get under it and jam the gas pedal, especially a floor mat. Just Googls gas pedla sticks Lexus and you will see other complaints. If the gas pedal was hinged on the floor this would not have happened... I’m a former Master Toyota technician that worked at a Lexus dealership for 5 years, this can and does happen, the real problem is the gas pedall is free hanging from the firewall unlike in a Mercedes that is hinged from the floor. When the gas pedal is free hanging anything can get under it and jam the gas pedal, especially a floor mat. Just Googls gas pedla sticks Lexus and you will see other complaints. If the gas pedal was hinged on the floor this would not have happened…

]]> By: beatusmongous http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486900 beatusmongous Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:15:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486900 RaineMan, that is probably the only part that doesn't make much sense, since it's easy to us. However, I've asked several people who are not enthusiasts like we are, and none of them, including my wife, even thought about putting the car in neutral. I wonder how many of us, when our hearts are racing and our heads are trying to figure things out, would even think about putting the car in neutral. I'm sure most of us would, but I'm also sure some of us would only be able to think: "What in holy hell is going on?" It could be like the same panic that sweeps over you when they forget to put ketchup in the bag for your hot and tasty french fries. RaineMan, that is probably the only part that doesn’t make much sense, since it’s easy to us. However, I’ve asked several people who are not enthusiasts like we are, and none of them, including my wife, even thought about putting the car in neutral. I wonder how many of us, when our hearts are racing and our heads are trying to figure things out, would even think about putting the car in neutral. I’m sure most of us would, but I’m also sure some of us would only be able to think: “What in holy hell is going on?” It could be like the same panic that sweeps over you when they forget to put ketchup in the bag for your hot and tasty french fries.

]]> By: RaineMan http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486892 RaineMan Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:06:51 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486892 Again. Reach out... grab shifter... PUT IT IN NEUTRAL... brake safely to a stop. How hard is this? Again.

Reach out… grab shifter… PUT IT IN NEUTRAL… brake safely to a stop.

How hard is this?

]]> By: beatusmongous http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486880 beatusmongous Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:31:12 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486880 I have to admit, Beemerdude, that the first time I read it, I missed the fact that it was a push-button starter. When I caught that, I corrected myself. And thanks to you, as well. There are a few others, too. I have to admit, Beemerdude, that the first time I read it, I missed the fact that it was a push-button starter. When I caught that, I corrected myself.

And thanks to you, as well. There are a few others, too.

]]> By: beemerdude http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486872 beemerdude Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:09:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486872 @ beastusmongous Very well said. Thanks for helping me bring some sanity and common sense to the comments being posted on this site. Some of them are WAY out of line. And most troubling - they are making false accusations. Amazing how people will read the very same article ... and see only what they want to see. @ beastusmongous Very well said. Thanks for helping me bring some sanity and common sense to the comments being posted on this site.

Some of them are WAY out of line. And most troubling – they are making false accusations.

Amazing how people will read the very same article … and see only what they want to see.

]]> By: beatusmongous http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486821 beatusmongous Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:38:42 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486821 Elvio, read the article, and then read all of my comments before passing judgement on the driver. The driver DID NOT make the call. I repeat: THE DRIVER DID NOT MAKE THE CALL. In fact, someone else actually cited that it was the brother-in-law that made the call. "instead of finding a way to stop the car," - The brakes were not responding, probably because they had already fried.. He tried to find a way, and failed. "even if all the scenarios above are false" - All of your above scenarios are false according to what is written in the article. Read it again and read it thoroughly. Reading the headline does not count as reading the article. Don't talk about common sense until you get some of your own. Until then. don't judge. Elvio, read the article, and then read all of my comments before passing judgement on the driver. The driver DID NOT make the call. I repeat: THE DRIVER DID NOT MAKE THE CALL. In fact, someone else actually cited that it was the brother-in-law that made the call.

“instead of finding a way to stop the car,” – The brakes were not responding, probably because they had already fried.. He tried to find a way, and failed.

“even if all the scenarios above are false” – All of your above scenarios are false according to what is written in the article. Read it again and read it thoroughly. Reading the headline does not count as reading the article.

Don’t talk about common sense until you get some of your own. Until then. don’t judge.

]]> By: reedfast http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486714 reedfast Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:13:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486714 elviososa, his wife called 911 smarty elviososa, his wife called 911 smarty

]]> By: elviososa http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486712 elviososa Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:58:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486712 even if all the scenarios above are false, I bet you would agree that most people love to abuse the rental or loaner car in many ways. even if all the scenarios above are false, I bet you would agree that most people love to abuse the rental or loaner car in many ways.

]]> By: elviososa http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486711 elviososa Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:43:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486711 @beatusmongous......it's not about judging...it's about common sense. Do you think people should sue over the car company because he flipped his SUV while he was doing 60mph in a 45mph turn???...similar thing...instead of finding a way to stop the car, he called 911.....did we all know that it's dangerous to drive and talk (text) on the cell phone at the same time??? Come on...where is the common sense??? @beatusmongous……it’s not about judging…it’s about common sense. Do you think people should sue over the car company because he flipped his SUV while he was doing 60mph in a 45mph turn???…similar thing…instead of finding a way to stop the car, he called 911…..did we all know that it’s dangerous to drive and talk (text) on the cell phone at the same time??? Come on…where is the common sense???

]]> By: olds307 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486694 olds307 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:43:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486694 This is a good reason why unconventional ignition switches should be banned. Should be DOT law that every car should have a standard key operated turn-switch either on the right side of the steering column or on the dash to the right of the steering column. Ban buttons, and switches in odd places like on the dash to the left of the column (Rolls Royce used to have this), or between the seats (Saab). This is a good reason why unconventional ignition switches should be banned. Should be DOT law that every car should have a standard key operated turn-switch either on the right side of the steering column or on the dash to the right of the steering column. Ban buttons, and switches in odd places like on the dash to the left of the column (Rolls Royce used to have this), or between the seats (Saab).

]]> By: idrinorbarsaku http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486658 idrinorbarsaku Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:07:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486658 volo, Who do you work for that would make you not want to write it in your comment? If your statement is true, the awesome powerslides, (real) donuts, and burnouts wouldn't be possible! I have never heard of such a thing that you speak of! Must be a feature only in your "european" cars. volo,
Who do you work for that would make you not want to write it in your comment? If your statement is true, the awesome powerslides, (real) donuts, and burnouts wouldn’t be possible! I have never heard of such a thing that you speak of! Must be a feature only in your “european” cars.

]]> By: asb81689 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486592 asb81689 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:52:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486592 @Beemerdude Well said man. @Beemerdude

Well said man.

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486579 Renton Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:49:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486579 Murder-suicide. Murder-suicide.

]]> By: reedfast http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486577 reedfast Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:43:00 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486577 second that beemeerdude, thnx RIP second that beemeerdude, thnx

RIP

]]> By: beemerdude http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486538 beemerdude Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:52:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486538 UNBELIEVABLE. Some of the comments here really turned my stomach. None of us were there... at that moment... yet sitting in the comfort of our chairs and at our computers (or phones) we are quick to blame. One writer says it was all about a "domestic family dispute." Many others said "there was no way the brakes would not have stopped that vehicle." A guy writes "they should have reached down and pulled the mat." While the vehicle is going 120 mph and you are desperately trying to control it? (Assuming they even knew that it was the mat causing all of this?) Yeah, right... Another said "couldn't have been about a floor mat getting caught with the gas pedal. Must be about a lot of other mechanical problems with Toyota/Lexus. LOOK... None of us know what really happened. IT IS UNFAIR to the deceased to think we do. For all we know, the driver DID put the vehicle in neutral but there was no braking left. Many of you are WAY out of line here. I'm sickened by your disrespect toward the victims of this horrible tragedy. You think I'm overstating this? Could've been you or your family in that car. Think about it. UNBELIEVABLE. Some of the comments here really turned my stomach. None of us were there… at that moment… yet sitting in the comfort of our chairs and at our computers (or phones) we are quick to blame.

One writer says it was all about a “domestic family dispute.”

Many others said “there was no way the brakes would not have stopped that vehicle.”

A guy writes “they should have reached down and pulled the mat.” While the vehicle is going 120 mph and you are desperately trying to control it? (Assuming they even knew that it was the mat causing all of this?)

Yeah, right…

Another said “couldn’t have been about a floor mat getting caught with the gas pedal. Must be about a lot of other mechanical problems with Toyota/Lexus.

LOOK… None of us know what really happened. IT IS UNFAIR to the deceased to think we do. For all we know, the driver DID put the vehicle in neutral but there was no braking left.

Many of you are WAY out of line here. I’m sickened by your disrespect toward the victims of this horrible tragedy.

You think I’m overstating this? Could’ve been you or your family in that car.

Think about it.

]]> By: redline123 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486517 redline123 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:32:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486517 Check out www.autocoverup.com. This is not a "new" issue for Toyota/Lexus. Lot's of others have had this same issue. Sad it's going to take this for anything to get done. All of you that are playing armchair quarterback about what the driver did or didn't do should be ashamed. RIP Saylor family and Chris Lastrella. Check out http://www.autocoverup.com. This is not a “new” issue for Toyota/Lexus. Lot’s of others have had this same issue. Sad it’s going to take this for anything to get done.

All of you that are playing armchair quarterback about what the driver did or didn’t do should be ashamed. RIP Saylor family and Chris Lastrella.

]]> By: TW1NTURBO http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486472 TW1NTURBO Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:09:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486472 i have to say i love NMOFGM he makes my day. He gets on everybodys nerves and he knows it. maybe u guys should idk......ignore him? i have to say i love NMOFGM he makes my day. He gets on everybodys nerves and he knows it. maybe u guys should idk……ignore him?

]]> By: volo http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486423 volo Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:42:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486423 ha yes, it is only valid for a car which does not have the gas pedal mechanically llinked to the throttle valve (as this lexus) ha yes, it is only valid for a car which does not have the gas pedal mechanically llinked to the throttle valve (as this lexus)

]]> By: volo http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486422 volo Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:41:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486422 @idrinorbarsaku: I am an ECU engineer and this feature is there (at least in the european car company I work for), I can assure you. If your gas pedal is stuck, you lift of your foot and press the brake, after a few seconds the engine will stop the fuel injection. But, don't touch the gas pedal or the ECU will decide that the brake is faulty instead of the gas pedal and it will inject again @idrinorbarsaku:
I am an ECU engineer and this feature is there (at least in the european car company I work for), I can assure you. If your gas pedal is stuck, you lift of your foot and press the brake, after a few seconds the engine will stop the fuel injection. But, don’t touch the gas pedal or the ECU will decide that the brake is faulty instead of the gas pedal and it will inject again

]]> By: monte http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486415 monte Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:20:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486415 Rodeo40, a car can overpower the brakes. If it is a vacuum assist power brake system, it runs off of engine manifold vacuum. The problem is an engine doesn't provide any or little if the throttle is open near all the way. So once you hit the brakes a couple of times and the vacuum in the booster is gone, thats it, no more power brakes. And if you ad that to brakes that are hot and fading, you will not be able to overpower the engine. On the other hand, he should have put it in nuetral as others have said. What a retard. Rodeo40, a car can overpower the brakes. If it is a vacuum assist power brake system, it runs off of engine manifold vacuum. The problem is an engine doesn’t provide any or little if the throttle is open near all the way. So once you hit the brakes a couple of times and the vacuum in the booster is gone, thats it, no more power brakes. And if you ad that to brakes that are hot and fading, you will not be able to overpower the engine.

On the other hand, he should have put it in nuetral as others have said. What a retard.

]]> By: RaineMan http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486398 RaineMan Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:41:55 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486398 I guess the thought of bumping the shifter up into NEUTRAL never occurred to the driver. It won't go if it ain't in drive people. I guess the thought of bumping the shifter up into NEUTRAL never occurred to the driver. It won’t go if it ain’t in drive people.

]]> By: johnnycanuck http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486390 johnnycanuck Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:25:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486390 This may be in poor taste but who's going to sue me. There's a plug for a comedy show up here where a lady's in her car after being pulled over by a police officer and he's standing outside her window. The officer asks 'do you know why I pulled you over?' She replies '...because you got all Cs in high school?' This may be in poor taste but who’s going to sue me.

There’s a plug for a comedy show up here where a lady’s in her car after being pulled over by a police officer and he’s standing outside her window.
The officer asks ‘do you know why I pulled you over?’
She replies ‘…because you got all Cs in high school?’

]]> By: j-dubb http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486388 j-dubb Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:13:16 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486388 In this incident there had to be other things going on in that car, his whole family was in a car going over 120mph did anybody mention domestic issues?, I been that fast and it takes a lot of concentation and effort from the driver to get to that speed, even if you cant stop you dont wait till you get over 100mph then try to figure out how to stop, this off duty cop knew how to throw this car in neutral, from drive but didnt, why didnt he stop this car? why did he kill his self and family? Toyota has sold if not all their automatics to be thrown into neutral if all else fails. they are just an auto manufacturer they cant actually drive the cars for us, and excercise good judgement my verdict: this guy was and over stressd cop who has been chasing people down on the highway for 19 years, probably typical family domestic issues all came togther for this unfortunate event, Toyota and dealer shouldn't have nothing to worry about, good judgement was not excercised to safely save this family. my condolenses In this incident there had to be other things going on in that car, his whole family was in a car going over 120mph did anybody mention domestic issues?, I been that fast and it takes a lot of concentation and effort from the driver to get to that speed, even if you cant stop you dont wait till you get over 100mph then try to figure out how to stop, this off duty cop knew how to throw this car in neutral, from drive but didnt, why didnt he stop this car? why did he kill his self and family? Toyota has sold if not all their automatics to be thrown into neutral if all else fails. they are just an auto manufacturer they cant actually drive the cars for us, and excercise good judgement my verdict: this guy was and over stressd cop who has been chasing people down on the highway for 19 years, probably typical family domestic issues all came togther for this unfortunate event, Toyota and dealer shouldn’t have nothing to worry about, good judgement was not excercised to safely save this family. my condolenses

]]> By: beatusmongous http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486380 beatusmongous Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:36:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486380 Please read the story before commenting. "left the driver, off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer" - the driver was a cop. "with Saylor’s passenger indicating the vehicle’s brakes were not responding and the accelerator was stuck" - the driver DID NOT MAKE THE CALL! And it's apparent that the brakes were being applied. "which was a loaner from a dealership" - it wasn't his car, and he wasn't familiar with it. " the car involved in the crash was not equipped with these mats, but rather mats from another car." - unless the Toyota company installed mats from another car, Toyota company is not to blame. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: None of us know exactly what we would do in the same situation. Don't judge. Rest in peace. Please read the story before commenting.

“left the driver, off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer” – the driver was a cop.

“with Saylor’s passenger indicating the vehicle’s brakes were not responding and the accelerator was stuck” – the driver DID NOT MAKE THE CALL!

And it’s apparent that the brakes were being applied.

“which was a loaner from a dealership” – it wasn’t his car, and he wasn’t familiar with it.

” the car involved in the crash was not equipped with these mats, but rather mats from another car.” – unless the Toyota company installed mats from another car, Toyota company is not to blame.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: None of us know exactly what we would do in the same situation. Don’t judge.

Rest in peace.

]]> By: rodeo40 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486379 rodeo40 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:35:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486379 @hummah The gas can never overpower the brakes. Can't happen @hummah

The gas can never overpower the brakes. Can’t happen

]]> By: alsvw http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486372 alsvw Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:10:55 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486372 does anyone remeber audi back in the 80's ? it was the audi 5000 that would lunge forward due to either driver error or the error of the car. we now have to put our foot on the break pedal before shifting into drive because of that issue. this audi issue soon almost put a total hault to sales in the u.s.. could this be the beginning of the end for lexus? has this happened before to a lexus? i really don't think it has. but, who knows this could be an issue of lexus not thinking or cheap engineering. toyota has been having more and more issues with there cars. i have a friend that was a service manager at a lexus dealer. he has always said that lexus makes good cars. but, they used to be a lot better. little things are breaking on them now that would have never broken 10 years ago. he has actually said that he sometimes feels he used to feel that he was working at a vw dealer. does anyone remeber audi back in the 80′s ? it was the audi 5000 that would lunge forward due to either driver error or the error of the car. we now have to put our foot on the break pedal before shifting into drive because of that issue.
this audi issue soon almost put a total hault to sales in the u.s.. could this be the beginning of the end for lexus? has this happened before to a lexus? i really don’t think it has. but, who knows this could be an issue of lexus not thinking or cheap engineering. toyota has been having more and more issues with there cars. i have a friend that was a service manager at a lexus dealer. he has always said that lexus makes good cars. but, they used to be a lot better. little things are breaking on them now that would have never broken 10 years ago. he has actually said that he sometimes feels he used to feel that he was working at a vw dealer.

]]> By: jdasch1 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486368 jdasch1 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:04:59 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486368 If the computer survived the crash, the data recorder inside it will show what was going on. Were the brakes being applied, what gear was it in, rpm's, accellerator position. Sound very hard to believe that the brakes were not applied enough to overcome the accelerated engine. Very tragic indeed. Such stories like this are just hard to believe, but end up true in the end. The neutral shifter position is the easiest thing to do when in a panic..hopefully the computer survived so we can get the story as told by electronics not speculators. So sad. If the computer survived the crash, the data recorder inside it will show what was going on. Were the brakes being applied, what gear was it in, rpm’s, accellerator position. Sound very hard to believe that the brakes were not applied enough to overcome the accelerated engine. Very tragic indeed. Such stories like this are just hard to believe, but end up true in the end. The neutral shifter position is the easiest thing to do when in a panic..hopefully the computer survived so we can get the story as told by electronics not speculators. So sad.

]]> By: dAVE mAN http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486366 dAVE mAN Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:02:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486366 I find it funny that everyone is obsessing over the make of the car and not even bothering to ask the obvious questions: Was this guy drunk/stoned? Or did he just suck at life? I mean, sure it's sad or whatever that his family had to die with him, but it's hard to believe this story can all be blamed on a floor mat. Floor mats kill because they hate. I find it funny that everyone is obsessing over the make of the car and not even bothering to ask the obvious questions: Was this guy drunk/stoned? Or did he just suck at life? I mean, sure it’s sad or whatever that his family had to die with him, but it’s hard to believe this story can all be blamed on a floor mat.

Floor mats kill because they hate.

]]> By: idrinorbarsaku http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486364 idrinorbarsaku Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:51:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486364 New cars, now-a-days, don't disable the transmission gears, while driving, to shift into reverse or park! You can be driving and put it into reverse and it would do nothing! This does not apply to manuals though...which this lexus doesn't even offer. Slamming it into revers or park would be as useless as slamming the accelerator even more! I happen to believe, that unless you were trained for such an instance...cop maybe.... you would probably be stressed out to think calmly in this instance. Kind of like fighting, you disregard the obvious and who's around you, but focus on the person in front of you. Testosterone! Makes you focus straight while making plans as simple as possible...disregarding the fat that the mat might be pulled away(if it really was the mat and not a car fault). We'll probably not know for some time as to what really happened, but while we wait, I think we should give this a rest, and just pray for the rest of their family members! New cars, now-a-days, don’t disable the transmission gears, while driving, to shift into reverse or park! You can be driving and put it into reverse and it would do nothing! This does not apply to manuals though…which this lexus doesn’t even offer. Slamming it into revers or park would be as useless as slamming the accelerator even more!

I happen to believe, that unless you were trained for such an instance…cop maybe…. you would probably be stressed out to think calmly in this instance. Kind of like fighting, you disregard the obvious and who’s around you, but focus on the person in front of you. Testosterone! Makes you focus straight while making plans as simple as possible…disregarding the fat that the mat might be pulled away(if it really was the mat and not a car fault). We’ll probably not know for some time as to what really happened, but while we wait, I think we should give this a rest, and just pray for the rest of their family members!

]]> By: jayjc08 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486358 jayjc08 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:21:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486358 Does anyone else find it strange that this is happening with a lot of Toyota products lately, and even someone with a fair amount of emergency experience ends up being the victim? I'm starting to think its more than floormats, but a badly designed accelerator pedal. Sorry, but I've NEVER had a floormat stick for more than a second or so. This is a defect in the accelerator pedal itself, not the mats. Of course, Toyota will never admit to that. Does anyone else find it strange that this is happening with a lot of Toyota products lately, and even someone with a fair amount of emergency experience ends up being the victim? I’m starting to think its more than floormats, but a badly designed accelerator pedal.

Sorry, but I’ve NEVER had a floormat stick for more than a second or so. This is a defect in the accelerator pedal itself, not the mats. Of course, Toyota will never admit to that.

]]> By: elviososa http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486332 elviososa Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:47:45 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486332 Actually I have a question....why would he has the time to find the phone and dialed 911...and not to try to remove the floor mat??? And...his wife (I assumed she sat next to him) could actually reach to the floor to pull the mat out if he was not able to. Actually I have a question….why would he has the time to find the phone and dialed 911…and not to try to remove the floor mat??? And…his wife (I assumed she sat next to him) could actually reach to the floor to pull the mat out if he was not able to.

]]> By: elviososa http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486331 elviososa Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:42:42 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486331 If the car has the hand break like the old cars does, I am very sure that they will not die! If the car has the hand break like the old cars does, I am very sure that they will not die!

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486329 Renton Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:02:18 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486329 Those cars are overpriced Camrys. Those cars are overpriced Camrys.

]]> By: Nbdy http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486326 Nbdy Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:40:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486326 The wrong set of circumstances and ANY vehicle's accelerator pedal can be jammed wide open by a foreign object that finds its way up into the pedal box - and/or block the brake pedal. An ill-fitting floor mat can do it, which is probably why every vehicle manual I can remember reading included an instruction to not use third-party mats. It's been known to happen from items rolling free in the cabin, or even intruding from the engine bay - dirt, rats, snakes, etc. Very rare, but has been known to happen. Not easy to maintain the presence of mind to shift into neutral, let the engine scream to the redline and beyond, and make use of whatever might be available from the parking brake or available space. Which might not be enough, anyway. Switch off the engine?? I've experienced an engine failiure at 120mph, in Europe, and I can assure you that the loss of power steering and brakes made the journey to the shoulder a lot more exciting. I can see how that could, itself, lead to a crash. Shift into Park?? Not over 20mph you don't, or it's off the road you go, probably end-over-end. Shift into Reverse?? Even worse consequences than shifting into Park. Often seen on the idiot box, but IRL it's done by locking the wheels (if you can figure out how to defeat the ABS, in the heat of the moment), shifting into R, and waiting for the vehicle to come to a stop (or nearly) before reversing away from an assailant. The wrong set of circumstances and ANY vehicle’s accelerator pedal can be jammed wide open by a foreign object that finds its way up into the pedal box – and/or block the brake pedal. An ill-fitting floor mat can do it, which is probably why every vehicle manual I can remember reading included an instruction to not use third-party mats. It’s been known to happen from items rolling free in the cabin, or even intruding from the engine bay – dirt, rats, snakes, etc. Very rare, but has been known to happen.

Not easy to maintain the presence of mind to shift into neutral, let the engine scream to the redline and beyond, and make use of whatever might be available from the parking brake or available space. Which might not be enough, anyway.

Switch off the engine?? I’ve experienced an engine failiure at 120mph, in Europe, and I can assure you that the loss of power steering and brakes made the journey to the shoulder a lot more exciting. I can see how that could, itself, lead to a crash.
Shift into Park?? Not over 20mph you don’t, or it’s off the road you go, probably end-over-end.
Shift into Reverse?? Even worse consequences than shifting into Park. Often seen on the idiot box, but IRL it’s done by locking the wheels (if you can figure out how to defeat the ABS, in the heat of the moment), shifting into R, and waiting for the vehicle to come to a stop (or nearly) before reversing away from an assailant.

]]> By: nestle_s http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486325 nestle_s Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:37:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486325 just being funny here...no wonder why i do not like any toyota/lexus products...sheesh! O_o just being funny here…no wonder why i do not like any toyota/lexus products…sheesh! O_o

]]> By: reedfast http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486315 reedfast Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:28:58 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486315 hfry and you still need to apologize hfry
and you still need to apologize

]]> By: sdcarnut http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486309 sdcarnut Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:03:35 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486309 I live in San Diego where this tragedy happened. The LLN article is misleading in that it states that Saylor indicated the vehicles brakes were not responding...etc. The article infers Saylor (the driver) made the 911 call while driving. Local media has reported for the last few days that a passenger in the car made the 911 phone call. The brother-in-law was talking to the 911 dispatcher as the car approached the end of the freeway. The car literally ran out of freeway room, could not negotiate a sharp curve, clipped the rear of a Ford Explorer and then went airborne. I live in San Diego where this tragedy happened.

The LLN article is misleading in that it states that Saylor indicated the vehicles brakes were not responding…etc. The article infers Saylor (the driver) made the 911 call while driving.

Local media has reported for the last few days that a passenger in the car made the 911 phone call. The brother-in-law was talking to the 911 dispatcher as the car approached the end of the freeway.

The car literally ran out of freeway room, could not negotiate a sharp curve, clipped the rear of a Ford Explorer and then went airborne.

]]> By: hfry http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486304 hfry Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:53:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486304 aggie531. This is directed towards you. What is respect? "Dont make accusations without knowing exactly what happened." (Quote - aggie531) Then what did happen? Your demanding some of my fellow LeftLaners to apologize to the family, when it sounds like your not even sure what exactly happened... And to be honest, accusations or not. I bet those magical floor mats where apart of a cruel demented plan to end the lives of those who died in this article. Its a shame, truly is. I just hope the po-po don't autozone swap out there floor mats in there new commodores. I wish I had the right to purchase vehicles like that here in the US. :( aggie531. This is directed towards you. What is respect?

“Dont make accusations without knowing exactly what happened.”
(Quote – aggie531)

Then what did happen? Your demanding some of my fellow LeftLaners to apologize to the family, when it sounds like your not even sure what exactly happened…

And to be honest, accusations or not. I bet those magical floor mats where apart of a cruel demented plan to end the lives of those who died in this article.

Its a shame, truly is. I just hope the po-po don’t autozone swap out there floor mats in there new commodores. I wish I had the right to purchase vehicles like that here in the US. :(

]]> By: aggie531 http://www.leftlanenews.com/mismatched-floor-mat-implicated-in-catastrophic-lexus-crash.html#comment-486301 aggie531 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:31:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=21309#comment-486301 To all of you who blame the driver of the car -- SHAME ON YOU! You were not there and do not know exactly what happened. To blame someone who tried to save his family and himself but failed, that is absolutely ridiculous and disrespectful to 4 people who have lost their lives and their families. To be in a car that you dont own and have never driven in your life and be accelerating at 120 mph for no apparent reason, I dont blame him for panicking. Im sure may of you would too How many of you have been driving a 2009 ES on the highway and have the floor mat get stuck and the car accelerate at full speed and have no idea what is going on and have 3 people yelling at you to stop the car and cant and be panicking and having to dodge traffic and keep the car relatively in control all at the same time? Exactly ---- none Dont make accusations without knowing exactly what happened. To all of you who need to apologize to Saylor's and Lastrella's families, I expect you to do it. Learn some respect. To all of you who blame the driver of the car — SHAME ON YOU! You were not there and do not know exactly what happened. To blame someone who tried to save his family and himself but failed, that is absolutely ridiculous and disrespectful to 4 people who have lost their lives and their families.

To be in a car that you dont own and have never driven in your life and be accelerating at 120 mph for no apparent reason, I dont blame him for panicking. Im sure may of you would too

How many of you have been driving a 2009 ES on the highway and have the floor mat get stuck and the car accelerate at full speed and have no idea what is going on and have 3 people yelling at you to stop the car and cant and be panicking and having to dodge traffic and keep the car relatively in control all at the same time?

Exactly —- none

Dont make accusations without knowing exactly what happened.

To all of you who need to apologize to Saylor’s and Lastrella’s families, I expect you to do it.

Learn some respect.

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