Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Investigates Toyota Response To Possible Sudden Acceleration Accidents, Asks Company To Probe Recent Connecticut Crashes

March 12, 2010

            Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today he is investigating Toyota Motor Corporation’s response to three car crashes, one fatal, this week in Connecticut that may have involved faulty accelerators.

            Two of the three cars, including the one in the fatal crash, were reportedly 2007 Toyota Camrys, which the company is recalling for possible accelerator defects. The third crash reportedly involved a 2006 Camry.

            Blumenthal asked the company whether it will investigate the three accidents and to provide its policies and procedures for investigating crashes reportedly involving sudden, unwanted acceleration.

            “Public safety demands Toyota investigate whether acknowledged accelerator defects played a role in these disturbing -- in one case tragically fatal -- accidents,” Blumenthal said. “These crashes -- three in two days -- are deeply disquieting to consumers and state officials and raise serious and significant public safety concerns. Two vehicles involved in these accidents were apparently under recall, a wakeup call that Toyota must learn whether defective accelerators were a factor. Toyota has an ethical, moral and likely legal responsibility to investigate whether these crashes were caused by unwanted acceleration     .

            “I am demanding that Toyota inspect vehicles and investigate incidents -- and set forth specific procedures for responding to reports of sudden acceleration accidents. Driver safety demands that it respond swiftly and effectively to determine the extent of defects and protect the public.

            “I will vigorously and aggressively investigate to assure that Toyota is addressing and correcting potentially fatal defects in its vehicles.”

            The incidents were:

·         On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 a woman was reported to blame a stuck gas pedal when her 2007 Camry went “out of control” and crashed outside a New Britain church.

·         On Thursday, March 11, 2010, a 2006 Toyota Camry reported as being “out of control” crashed and rolled over in Middletown, Connecticut.  Witnesses told the media that they heard the car’s engine roaring prior to the crash.

·         Also on Thursday, March 11, 2010, a 77-year-old man died after his 2007 Toyota Camry crashed through a guardrail and into a ditch in Torrington, Connecticut.