CHP safety inspector drives Lexus ES350 (Toyota) into embankment at 113mph killing four

[Bozita]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100222/BUSINESS01/2220370/&imw=Y&template=fullarticle

POSTED: FEB. 22, 2010
Questions surround crash in California involving luxury Toyota brand
BY JUSTIN HYDE
FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF


SANTEE, Calif. – Relatives of the four people who died here last August in a runaway Lexus will this week break a silence they’ve kept since the horrifying wreck, introducing the world to their family and questioning the official verdict on what caused the crash.

The deaths of Mark and Cleofe Saylor, their 13-year-old daughter Mahala and Cleofe’s brother Chris Lastrella triggered the chain of events leading to Toyota recalling more than 8 million vehicles worldwide, along with the two congressional hearings this week.

But the revelations since the crash -- including thousands of sudden acceleration complaints in other Toyota models and new questions about Toyota’s electronic controls -- have caused the family and other people close to the crash to doubt whether only an all-weather mat was to blame, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided.

“My real belief is that it was more than that – the software or something going on beneath the surface,” said Tim Pestotnik, one of the attorneys for the Saylor family. “The floor mat was only one component."

Some of those questions have arisen because of Mark Saylor -- a 20-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol and a safety inspector. Witnesses said Saylor appeared to be struggling with the Lexus ES 350 sedan at slow speeds well before it launched into an embankment while traveling at least 113 m.p.h.

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[bluesbassman]

1. This accident actually occurred August 28, 2009.

Doesn't lessen the tragedy, just wanted to have some historical clarity.

[Bozita]

2. kick inspired by my anger