Harrison, NY – Another Runaway Toyota Now In New York

Harrison, NY – The driver of a Toyota Prius told police in suburban New York that the car accelerated on its own, then lurched down a driveway, across a road and into a stone wall.

Harrison police are investigating the cause, but Capt. Anthony Marraccini said the floor mat issue that figured in a huge Toyota recall did not appear to be a factor.

“Apparently this particular vehicle had been serviced previously by Toyota and the mats were secured,” he said.

On Monday, California police stopped a runaway Prius going nearly 85 mph. The driver said the pedal jammed.

In New York, the 2005 Prius’ air bags deployed when the car hit the wall on Tuesday, toppling boulders. The driver, a 56-year-old woman, escaped serious injury, Marraccini said.

“The impact with the wall was pretty substantial,” he said, adding that some stones from the wall were found 10 feet away.

“The driver reported to us that the car accelerated while she was exiting her driveway and she lost control of the car,” he said. He said she was lucky not to collide with traffic as the car crossed Purchase Street.

Police kept the vehicle for investigation. Toyota said it’s not yet known whether the company will also investigate.

Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide. In some cases, floor mats can cause the accelerator to stick.

News Source: AP