Toyota Tundra Forum

Thanks for the link Tony. It is very tragic, and my heart goes out to the families of those who perished. That said, I am somewhat puzzled as to how this could have happened. The tape recording revealed that the caller said to 911 that they had "no brakes." What's up with that? I cannot imagine a scenario that I could not either override the engine with the brakes, or turn off the engine, or better yet, put it in neutral (over-revving the engine if that's what happens) to avoid a disaster. That said, I wasn't in this off-duty state trooper's shoes, so maybe I'm over-simplifying what I would be faced with in making a split-second decision.

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2007 Tundra Limited Double Cab 4x4 Super White
Volant CAI
Pioneer AVIC Z-2 (hard drive upgrade to AVIC Z-3)
Key FOB Tailgate Lock (courtesy of Toxarch)
OEM back-up camera w/flip down monitor microswitch mod
Sirius Satellite Radio
WeatherTech Floor Liners
20" OEM alloy wheels
Line-X Bed liner
UWS Black Powdercoat Low Profile Toolbox
DU-HA underseat storage unit
JC Whitney Black Nerf Bars
Lund Interceptor II Bug Shield
Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller

I don't understand it myself. Maybe he panicked? I can't imagine heading for an intersection at 120MPH with my family in the car and not having the presence of mind to turn off the key or put it in neutral, while standing on the brake.

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The Silver Bullet

2008 D/C 4X4 5.7-ARE Z-Series Cap
Volant CAI-Scangauge-Valentine 1
Low Range Off Road 3/1 Level Kit
TRD Rims with BFG AT 305/65/18
OEM Alarm Turned On-TRD Sway Bar
Westin SS Tube Steps-Tailgate Auto Lock Mod
Piaa Driving Lights in bumper-Rear Seatfold Mod
Direct JG 6000K 55W HID Hi & Low Beams
Corsa Sport Exhaust-Homelink Mirror
OEM Back Up Camera and Monitor
LED Backup Lights and Interior Lights

While I hope this is not the case, it may well be that we'll never know for certain what really happened in this tragic case.

My driver's mat is getting a bit worn from my shoe heels. I could use a new mat sometime soon.

Most of the time I turn my carpet mats over and use the rubber side with the rubber spikes cause it's easy to clean. Even if the carpet mats (installed right side up) were to come off the hooks that hold them in place, then the rubber spikes would prevent the carpet from moving forward to hit the accelerator.

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2007 SR5 Crewmax 5.7L 4x4
Mods: nerf bars, Truxedo tonneau, radar detector power, 3M clear bra, fog lights, black billet grille, rear differential breather, parking sensors, Line-X, power tailgate lock, hood safety latch mod, one off driving lights behind grille, Pioneer NAV w/ OEM camera, Flowmaster 50 SUV dual/dual, blue LED dash lights, Volant CAI, Llumar tint, CompuStar Pro alarm, ProComp 6066 20" wheels, Cooper Zeon LTZ 275/60/20 tires, OME HD coilover lift, Firestone helper air bags, stereo cable lock, Tekonsha P3 brake controller
All mod descriptions and pictures © 2007-2009 by Toxarch. They may be copied only for personal use and the mods may be done for non-profit only.

Tox, I'm replacing my front OEM all-weather mats floor mats with the WeatherTech ones (which show that they will arrive today). You're welcome to my OEM's, which are in great shape.

It sounds like it wasn't a split-second decision... they had time to call 911.
And this is why I own a gun. Some of the people we are paying to protect us can't think when under pressure. It's absolutely horrible that this happened, and my greatest condolences to the family, but to me it confirms that we cannot expect an officer to keep a level head or act rationally.
The 'black box' in the car should tell nearly everything. I imagine Toyota would be allowed to gain access to the data on it, but as to whether or not they will release it to the public I don't know.

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Supposedly the black box is the property of Toyota and it's up to them or the courts whether they even release that info to the family.

So Tox, you see my offer to you of the OEM all-weather front mats?

I will take you up on that offer. Should work better than the back sides of the mats. I'll get them from you next time I see you.

I looked at my mats this morning and I don't really see how our floor mats can hit the pedal and be that much of a problem. The pedal is supported from above and I can fit my shoe toe under the pedal. I guess it's possible, but not very likely.

I think the concern is when the floor mat shifts forward (comes unhooked) and then can get on top of the accelerator. When you mash the pedal to the floorboard, there's a whole lot less room under it (like, none?).