Stuck accelerator kills 4 in Santee *Recall - Page 2*
09-01-2009, 10:56 AM
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Stuck accelerator kills 4 in Santee *Recall - Page 2*
My friend's 2 children, son-in-law(CHP officer) and grand daughter were killed in a car accident over the weekend. They were driving a loaner ES350 when the accelerator stuck and they blew through an intersection after exiting the freeway. Not sure why he didn't just try putting it in neutral. In this case hindsight is truly 20/20. Sad sad tragedy. What's crazy is there's all this talk that this model Lexus has had issues in the past of unintended acceleration. RIP
http://www.10news.com/news/20609225/detail.html#
SANTEE, Calif. -- A flattened shell is all that was left of a Lexus carrying four people Friday night. It is now believed the driver of the car was 45-year-old Mark Saylor, an officer with the San Diego California Highway Patrol.
CHP officer Brian Pennings said, "Mark Saylor was an off-duty CHP officer. He began his career with the California Highway Patrol in 1989 and this October he would have celebrated his 20th anniversary with the California Highway Patrol."
Saylor was believed to be driving with his family. It is believed that his 45-year-old wife, Cleode Saylor, was in the passenger seat and their daughter 13-year-old Mahala was riding in the back along with Saylor's 38-year-old brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella.
The CHP said that at about 6:30 p.m. Friday a call came into 911 that is believed to have been from Saylor's wife. The woman who called stated that she and three others were in a car with an accelerator that was stuck and traveling at more than 100 miles per hour.
It's believed that shortly after that call came in the Lexus reached the intersection of Highway 125 and Mission Gorge Road where it clipped a Ford Explorer, careened off the road and flew 150 feet before it landed in the San Diego river basin and burst into flames.
The driver of the Explorer, Phillip Pretty, 52, was hospitalized with moderate injuries, according to Pennings.
Both vehicles had been going north on 125, and the driver of Explorer was trying to turn left when the SUV was struck from behind, according to law enforcement and witness reports.
Forensic mechanic Forrest Folck said, "It's definitely one of the worst accidents I've seen."
Folck has investigated more than 6,000 accidents. He said a jammed accelerator is highly unlikely but can happen, especially in newer-model vehicles using cruise control.
Folck said that the best thing to do when the accelerator sticks is to shift into neutral and step on the brakes. The CHP said that Saylor should have been familiar with that move but, for whatever reason, couldn't execute it.
"We may never know exactly what happened and why it happened but I have to believe that he did everything he could to stop that car," Pennings said.
Saylor, 45, was a safety officer, who inspected school buses, ambulances, tow trucks and armored vehicles, Pennings said.
"He was an outstanding officer who was well-respected by his peers," Pennings said. He was also a "passionate athlete who was very competitive."
Pennings said Saylor worked in offices in western Los Angeles County and El Cajon before settling in the San Diego office in 1995. He began his safety inspection assignment four years ago, he said.
10News' Ariana Duarte learned that the car Saylor was driving was a loaned Lexus ES 350 that was checked out from the Bob Baker Lexus dealership in El Cajon just hours prior to the crash.
http://www.10news.com/news/20609225/detail.html#
SANTEE, Calif. -- A flattened shell is all that was left of a Lexus carrying four people Friday night. It is now believed the driver of the car was 45-year-old Mark Saylor, an officer with the San Diego California Highway Patrol.
CHP officer Brian Pennings said, "Mark Saylor was an off-duty CHP officer. He began his career with the California Highway Patrol in 1989 and this October he would have celebrated his 20th anniversary with the California Highway Patrol."
Saylor was believed to be driving with his family. It is believed that his 45-year-old wife, Cleode Saylor, was in the passenger seat and their daughter 13-year-old Mahala was riding in the back along with Saylor's 38-year-old brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella.
The CHP said that at about 6:30 p.m. Friday a call came into 911 that is believed to have been from Saylor's wife. The woman who called stated that she and three others were in a car with an accelerator that was stuck and traveling at more than 100 miles per hour.
It's believed that shortly after that call came in the Lexus reached the intersection of Highway 125 and Mission Gorge Road where it clipped a Ford Explorer, careened off the road and flew 150 feet before it landed in the San Diego river basin and burst into flames.
The driver of the Explorer, Phillip Pretty, 52, was hospitalized with moderate injuries, according to Pennings.
Both vehicles had been going north on 125, and the driver of Explorer was trying to turn left when the SUV was struck from behind, according to law enforcement and witness reports.
Forensic mechanic Forrest Folck said, "It's definitely one of the worst accidents I've seen."
Folck has investigated more than 6,000 accidents. He said a jammed accelerator is highly unlikely but can happen, especially in newer-model vehicles using cruise control.
Folck said that the best thing to do when the accelerator sticks is to shift into neutral and step on the brakes. The CHP said that Saylor should have been familiar with that move but, for whatever reason, couldn't execute it.
"We may never know exactly what happened and why it happened but I have to believe that he did everything he could to stop that car," Pennings said.
Saylor, 45, was a safety officer, who inspected school buses, ambulances, tow trucks and armored vehicles, Pennings said.
"He was an outstanding officer who was well-respected by his peers," Pennings said. He was also a "passionate athlete who was very competitive."
Pennings said Saylor worked in offices in western Los Angeles County and El Cajon before settling in the San Diego office in 1995. He began his safety inspection assignment four years ago, he said.
10News' Ariana Duarte learned that the car Saylor was driving was a loaned Lexus ES 350 that was checked out from the Bob Baker Lexus dealership in El Cajon just hours prior to the crash.
09-01-2009, 11:05 AM
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I drive a Subata.
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wow........ so fking sad.
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09-01-2009, 11:37 AM
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Check out this website that someone posted about Toyota sudden acceleration:
www.autocoverup.com
Who knows what to believe. I really hope it's not some defect Toyota doesn't want to admit to. Would be sad that it took this accident for Toyota to do something. Then again it could all be a coincidence. Sad either way.
www.autocoverup.com
Who knows what to believe. I really hope it's not some defect Toyota doesn't want to admit to. Would be sad that it took this accident for Toyota to do something. Then again it could all be a coincidence. Sad either way.
09-01-2009, 03:44 PM
#15
In the Mid-South meow
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That's a terrifying story. So sad. 
09-01-2009, 03:56 PM
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Go Giants
09-01-2009, 05:50 PM
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09-01-2009, 08:55 PM
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i'm am sorry for you and ur friends loss.
i've experienced a stuck accelerator. i have to admit it was one of the scariest things. and the brakes do not stop the car, i was pressing them with both feet. i threw it into neutral and i was coming up to an intersection so i cut the engine.
i've experienced a stuck accelerator. i have to admit it was one of the scariest things. and the brakes do not stop the car, i was pressing them with both feet. i threw it into neutral and i was coming up to an intersection so i cut the engine.
09-01-2009, 10:35 PM
#23
says "hello to my TLX".
Very awful scenario to be caught in. Speaking from experience. The exit they were taking is a moderate downhill grade coming to the intersection mentioned in the story.
09-02-2009, 05:05 AM
#25
Registered Member
This is, indeed, tragic. I had my accelerator stick in one of my cars once. I had been doing so mod work on the carb linkage and took it out for a test. Nailed it in second gear and when I lifted, it was stuck. 360 HP 420 lb/ft big block Chevy 396 going nuts. I shut the engine off immediately.. end of story.
No one knows how they'll react in an extreme or crisis situation until it is happening and I have had my share to feed my experience pool. Brakes and killing the engine are your friend in this sort of thing.
No one knows how they'll react in an extreme or crisis situation until it is happening and I have had my share to feed my experience pool. Brakes and killing the engine are your friend in this sort of thing.
09-02-2009, 06:29 AM
#26
I am so very sad to hear this.
I have also been in an accident due to a stuck throttle. I was a passenger in my friend's car years ago when this happened. We rear-ended a Civic in traffic. It's fucking scary and you can panic and lose your cool.
RIP. That Lexus is mangled. I'm sure it was a scary ride, but I hope at least they did not suffer physically before they died.
I have also been in an accident due to a stuck throttle. I was a passenger in my friend's car years ago when this happened. We rear-ended a Civic in traffic. It's fucking scary and you can panic and lose your cool.
RIP. That Lexus is mangled. I'm sure it was a scary ride, but I hope at least they did not suffer physically before they died.
09-03-2009, 11:13 AM
#29
i'm am sorry for you and ur friends loss.
i've experienced a stuck accelerator. i have to admit it was one of the scariest things. and the brakes do not stop the car, i was pressing them with both feet. i threw it into neutral and i was coming up to an intersection so i cut the engine.
i've experienced a stuck accelerator. i have to admit it was one of the scariest things. and the brakes do not stop the car, i was pressing them with both feet. i threw it into neutral and i was coming up to an intersection so i cut the engine.
My 1985 300 zx did the same thing... the cruise control cable and throttle cables got jacked up.... I was blessed to be on the highway with enough space and time to think to put the car in neutral , cut the engine and coast to the shoulder... about peed my pants.
09-03-2009, 11:16 AM
#30
Statement Regarding Fatal Santee Crash
The following is a statement from a representative from Lexus' parent company, Toyota:
"Lexus is deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Officer Saylor and his family members in San Diego, California. Our thoughts are with their friends and family at this time. Lexus takes the safety of all our customers very seriously and will fully cooperate with any investigation.
We are unable to comment on this tragic accident until all the facts are known. It is important to avoid speculation and allow any investigation to run its course.
If customers have any concerns at all they should feel free to contact our Lexus customer assistance centers at 800-255-3987."
The following is a statement from a representative from Lexus' parent company, Toyota:
"Lexus is deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Officer Saylor and his family members in San Diego, California. Our thoughts are with their friends and family at this time. Lexus takes the safety of all our customers very seriously and will fully cooperate with any investigation.
We are unable to comment on this tragic accident until all the facts are known. It is important to avoid speculation and allow any investigation to run its course.
If customers have any concerns at all they should feel free to contact our Lexus customer assistance centers at 800-255-3987."
09-03-2009, 11:22 AM
#31
Be sure to tell others you know about this terrible tragedy and possibly how to react... I just told two people at work and had some strange responses... neither of them would have known how to respond PROPERLY if their accelerator stuck!!!! 
09-03-2009, 12:49 PM
#32
AZ Community Team
very sad and tragic, RIP.
09-03-2009, 01:00 PM
#34
Damn, sad to hear
I had my accelerator stick once as well. It sucked. I was on a local road (45mph) and was catching up to a car. I took my foot off the accelerator to slow down, but it kept going. First instinct was to hit the brakes. Scrubbed off some speed, but not enough as the engine is more powerful then the brakes. I then flipped it into neutral before I was close enough to hit the car in front of me and I managed to coast into a supermarket parking lot, then turned it off in Neutral. Pretty scary shit and everything happens so quickly.
I had my accelerator stick once as well. It sucked. I was on a local road (45mph) and was catching up to a car. I took my foot off the accelerator to slow down, but it kept going. First instinct was to hit the brakes. Scrubbed off some speed, but not enough as the engine is more powerful then the brakes. I then flipped it into neutral before I was close enough to hit the car in front of me and I managed to coast into a supermarket parking lot, then turned it off in Neutral. Pretty scary shit and everything happens so quickly.
09-04-2009, 04:40 AM
#36
Registered Member
Damn, sad to hear
I had my accelerator stick once as well. It sucked. I was on a local road (45mph) and was catching up to a car. I took my foot off the accelerator to slow down, but it kept going. First instinct was to hit the brakes. Scrubbed off some speed, but not enough as the engine is more powerful then the brakes. I then flipped it into neutral before I was close enough to hit the car in front of me and I managed to coast into a supermarket parking lot, then turned it off in Neutral. Pretty scary shit and everything happens so quickly.
I had my accelerator stick once as well. It sucked. I was on a local road (45mph) and was catching up to a car. I took my foot off the accelerator to slow down, but it kept going. First instinct was to hit the brakes. Scrubbed off some speed, but not enough as the engine is more powerful then the brakes. I then flipped it into neutral before I was close enough to hit the car in front of me and I managed to coast into a supermarket parking lot, then turned it off in Neutral. Pretty scary shit and everything happens so quickly.
09-11-2009, 03:31 AM
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This accident happened a couple of miles from my house. I've been following up on the story since it's caused a lot of controversy around here and has really shocked our community. Officials also just released the 911 call made by one of the victims seconds before the crash in a desperate attempt for help. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims.
http://www.10news.com/news/20831532/detail.html
The scariest part of everything is that there have quite a few cases of unintended vehicle accelaration involving the 2007-09 Lexus ES350.
NEVER driving a Lexus again! The people involved are saying that their cars started accelerating by itself and would not slow down even when applying FULL PRESSURE on their brakes. A lot of consumers are also saying that Lexus refuses to recall these vehicle and instead is blaming the problem on improperly installed All-Weather floor mats. Check out the link below and you will be astounded by how many similar cases there have been. I really don't think there was any driver error in this tragic accident, nor are the floor mats responsible. I think there was something wrong with the Loaner they were driving.
http://autocoverup.com/
By the way, these ES350s have the push button start. Some people are saying you cannot shut the engines off when the vehicle is in motion, others are saying you have to hold the button down for 3 seconds in order to shut the engine off.
http://www.10news.com/news/20831532/detail.html
The scariest part of everything is that there have quite a few cases of unintended vehicle accelaration involving the 2007-09 Lexus ES350.
NEVER driving a Lexus again! The people involved are saying that their cars started accelerating by itself and would not slow down even when applying FULL PRESSURE on their brakes. A lot of consumers are also saying that Lexus refuses to recall these vehicle and instead is blaming the problem on improperly installed All-Weather floor mats. Check out the link below and you will be astounded by how many similar cases there have been. I really don't think there was any driver error in this tragic accident, nor are the floor mats responsible. I think there was something wrong with the Loaner they were driving. http://autocoverup.com/
By the way, these ES350s have the push button start. Some people are saying you cannot shut the engines off when the vehicle is in motion, others are saying you have to hold the button down for 3 seconds in order to shut the engine off.
Last edited by carlos9827; 09-11-2009 at 03:33 AM.
09-11-2009, 08:59 AM
#38
Porkchop Sandwiches!
My condolences... Obviously the the first thing most of us thought was "why didn't they throw it into neutral or hit the brakes, or turn the engine off (probably impossible on that car)" but in these moments a split second reaction may not be fast enough. It's truly a tragic event.
09-11-2009, 09:31 AM
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The scariest part of everything is that there have quite a few cases of unintended vehicle accelaration involving the 2007-09 Lexus ES350.
NEVER driving a Lexus again! The people involved are saying that their cars started accelerating by itself and would not slow down even when applying FULL PRESSURE on their brakes. A lot of consumers are also saying that Lexus refuses to recall these vehicle and instead is blaming the problem on improperly installed All-Weather floor mats. Check out the link below and you will be astounded by how many similar cases there have been. I really don't think there was any driver error in this tragic accident, nor are the floor mats responsible. I think there was something wrong with the Loaner they were driving. http://autocoverup.com/
By the way, these ES350s have the push button start. Some people are saying you cannot shut the engines off when the vehicle is in motion, others are saying you have to hold the button down for 3 seconds in order to shut the engine off.
Here's another example. Recently I took my girlfriend's A3 2.0T DSG into the dealer for a misbehaving cruise control. If you held the lever back to accelerate, it would continue to accelerate after you let go of the lever....up to 85 - 90 -95mph. Scary! I had the techs look at it and they were indeed able to reproduce the problem but couldn't find a cause at first. Then one of them noticed a small mph display in the instruments which showed numbers increasing while the CC lever was pulled back.
The realized that with the A3 cruise control, you hold the lever and watch the display (taking your eyes off the road of course, idiot fucking German engineers) until it gets to the speed you WANT to go to, then you let go and the car goes to that speed. These are (good) factory techs and it stumped them at first! Without knowing that, I was just holding back the lever (as in a normal car), and unwittingly setting the CC to 90+ mph! Just another electronic over-complication of a simple process. That type of shit really pisses me off to no-end.
Last edited by TheMirror; 09-11-2009 at 09:34 AM.
09-11-2009, 10:06 AM
#40
This accident happened a couple of miles from my house. I've been following up on the story since it's caused a lot of controversy around here and has really shocked our community. Officials also just released the 911 call made by one of the victims seconds before the crash in a desperate attempt for help. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims.
http://www.10news.com/news/20831532/detail.html
The scariest part of everything is that there have quite a few cases of unintended vehicle accelaration involving the 2007-09 Lexus ES350. NEVER driving a Lexus again! The people involved are saying that their cars started accelerating by itself and would not slow down even when applying FULL PRESSURE on their brakes. A lot of consumers are also saying that Lexus refuses to recall these vehicle and instead is blaming the problem on improperly installed All-Weather floor mats. Check out the link below and you will be astounded by how many similar cases there have been. I really don't think there was any driver error in this tragic accident, nor are the floor mats responsible. I think there was something wrong with the Loaner they were driving.
http://autocoverup.com/
By the way, these ES350s have the push button start. Some people are saying you cannot shut the engines off when the vehicle is in motion, others are saying you have to hold the button down for 3 seconds in order to shut the engine off.
http://www.10news.com/news/20831532/detail.html
The scariest part of everything is that there have quite a few cases of unintended vehicle accelaration involving the 2007-09 Lexus ES350.
NEVER driving a Lexus again! The people involved are saying that their cars started accelerating by itself and would not slow down even when applying FULL PRESSURE on their brakes. A lot of consumers are also saying that Lexus refuses to recall these vehicle and instead is blaming the problem on improperly installed All-Weather floor mats. Check out the link below and you will be astounded by how many similar cases there have been. I really don't think there was any driver error in this tragic accident, nor are the floor mats responsible. I think there was something wrong with the Loaner they were driving. http://autocoverup.com/
By the way, these ES350s have the push button start. Some people are saying you cannot shut the engines off when the vehicle is in motion, others are saying you have to hold the button down for 3 seconds in order to shut the engine off.
... I did not realize so many people were having these problems! Like so many modern things, a recall will not happen until many people have been maimed or killed... 