Runaway Prius in California

[cougartex]

Updated story:

http://autos.aol.com/article/prius-driver-scam" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

Updated story:

http://autos.aol.com/article/prius-driver-scam" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You beat me to it. I was just going to post the Forbes.com article: http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/12/toyota ... mento.html

[bdickens]

Some of the incidents have been faked, but the real ones are not driver error. It has to be a software bug.

[ninemm]

Some of the incidents have been faked, but the real ones are not driver error. It has to be a software bug.

So you're saying that the real ones are 100% legitimate? That's pretty profound.

[mctowalot]

Here's a little tip that might save you or someone you know a lot of trouble (or worse). On a "regular" automobile power for the steering and brakes is provided via a pump that is turned by a belt. This belt is run through a series of pulleys (it also provides power for the ac system and the altenator which charges the battery). All of this magic takes place under the hood. When the above mentioned belt gets old it is subject to break - aka snap. When this occurs the magic stops! Since the pulleys are no longer turning there will no longer be any power provided to the steering and brake system. But don't bail out of the window yet! It will still be possible to steer and brake, it will just require some extra effort by the driver - like using both hands to steer and both feet on the brake. Please note stopping distance will be greatly increased, which is a good reason to not tailgate as there is no warning prior to a belt snapping (except perhaps inspecting the belt now and then).
Re: the evil Prius.I have two suggestions:
(and the first one helps this subject "belong" on the forum)
1. If evil Prious is out of control, the driver should simply relax, draw his or her weapon, and empty it into the engine. Always be sure of your backstop.
2. Retrofitted ejection seat.

[Bart]

Found at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/tec ... y_id=58824" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=II_03lbr-Jw[/youtube]

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=YiSQeaeWxGU[/youtube]

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=3N22LLJsChA[/youtube]

[ELB]

Man, the baloney is frying now. Here is some more sizzle:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6 ... ews&rpc=76" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"But the [federal] investigation of the vehicle, carried out jointly by safety officials ... didn't find signs the brake had been applied at full force at high speeds over a sustained period of time," the Journal said, citing three people familiar with the investigation.

[bdickens]

Crow isn't too bad if you marinade it ans put enough Tabasco on it.

http://www.businessinsider.com/a-deep-d ... ats-2010-3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ninemm]

Crow isn't too bad if you marinade it and put enough Tabasco on it.

http://www.businessinsider.com/a-deep-d ... ats-2010-3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You're a good sport.