Early Tests Blame Toyota Acceleration Woes on ... Drivers

Early results of a Department of Transportation investigation into crashes involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles found that driver error was the most likely explanation for some of its acceleration issues, reports the Wall Street Journal. Analysis to date of data recorders of cars involved in accidents that happened while drivers said they were braking shows that the throttles were wide open and brakes not engaged when the crash occurred, meaning drivers actually floored the accelerator instead of hitting the brake. But Toyota's not off the hook just yet.

The findings have no effect on two already known problems acceleration-related issues: "sticky" gas pedals, and poorly designed floor mats that trap the accelerator pedal to the floor. Lawyers involved with suits against Toyota doubt these findings will impact their cases. Read the full article. (More Toyota stories.)