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9
Feb

More Cars Added to Toyota’s Recall…When Will the Nightmare End?

Here we go again. On February 8, Toyota announced a voluntary recall of about 158,000 more cars in the United States, confined to three models:  2010 Toyota Prius,  2010 Lexus HS 250h, and 2010 Toyota Camry.

Hybrid ABS

The two hybrid models (Prius and  Lexus) are being recalled to update software in the anti-lock brake system (ABS). According to Toyota, there have been complaints that the brakes in these cars malfunction when driven on rough or slick roads surfaces–they feel “inconsistent.” The fix is a simple software update. Letters will be sent to owners within the next few weeks.

Camry Brake Fluid

In a separate recall, some 2010 Camry vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine need to be inspected to make sure the power steering hose isn’t in contact with a front brake tube. If it is, the contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube, which means brake fluid could leak out and brakes could eventually fail. Owners of cars involved in the recall will be notified by mail “starting in the middle of February.”

Is it just me, but doesn’t it seem as though a potential brake fluid leak should be addressed immediately for all 2010 Camry owners? Why not send all the letters at once instead of just “starting” to send some out in the unspecified “middle of February”?  Better yet, why make people wait until they get a letter?  (And why was this particular announcement buried at the bottom of the press release?)

I know there are physical logistics and corporate protections that must be attended to, but I hope for everyone’s sake that no one is harmed in a wreck caused by a Toyota malfunction before the letters are sent.

Press release

Toyota recall information

Previous blog with additional information: http://cli.gs/JAy7s

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6
Feb

“Wii-kend” Warrior Injuries

If your plans for the weekend include getting some exercise with your Nintendo Wii, be careful–someone could get hurt!  What started as a purely fun  game system has evolved into an entertaining way to improve general fitness. That’s a good thing. But as my mom used to say, everything is fun until someone gets hurt.

This week’s New England Journal of Medicine (February 4, 2010) contains a brief correspondence that describes a foot fracture in a 14-year-old girl who fell while using the Wii Fit balance board.

This isn’t the only episode of gaming pain. Doctors have started using the term “Wii-itis” to describe the strains and tendon injuries  caused by over-using Wii games…and there have been head injuries from being accidentally hit by Wii remote controls during play.

Although the balance board is a cool new feature, it certainly could pose a falling danger. I predict there will be more reports like this coming up. I’ll be watching.

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5
Feb

Toyota: From Kudos to Recalls in a Few Short Months

Think back…way back to 2009, back in the days when “Toyota” meant quality, reliability, value, and innovation. Those were the days, huh?

Here’s the timeline, as we know it today (click dates for links to sources):

  • November 21, 2009:  Toyota recalls millions of vehicles due to a defect they claimed was due to the potential for floor mats to cause accelerator pedals to stick. It was—in Toyota’s estimation—a “floor mat situation.”
  • January 21, 2010:  Toyota files a voluntary safety recall for 2.3 million vehicles for “sticking accelerator pedal” problems, which they say addresses “isolated customer complaints.” They claim that this is different from the floor mat issue, and that 1.7 million vehicles have both problems.  No solution announced, but customers are advised to stomp down on the brakes with both feet if their gas pedal gets stuck down. Sure, why not.
  • January 26, 2010:  Toyota suspends sales of vehicles involved in the January 21 recall. Also, it was announced that production of the vehicles would stop. Got that? Production Would Stop. That’s huge.
  • January 29, 2010: Toyota says it will be starting to ship newly designed pedals to dealers the following week, yet no remedy program is announced for consumers.
  • February 1, 2010: Toyota announced its plan for fixing the pedal. Parts “already being shipped” and dealer training is being scheduled. The solution, apparently, is simple (their words, not mine)—“a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly.” In some cars, the floors will have to be reconfigured.
  • February 2, 2010: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood says that Toyota had been slow to respond to the problems, and that federal safety officials had to “wake them up.”
  • February 3, 2010: Secretary LaHood says he is considering civil penalties against Toyota over the gas pedal problem, and that if you own a Toyota involved in the recall, you should “exercise concern immediately” (whatever that means).
  • February 3, 2010:  Japan’s transport ministry ordered Toyota to investigate complaints of brake problems on the popular Prius. United States officials vow to look into the brake problem, as well.
  • February 5, 2010:  The president of Toyota apologized for all the quality problems. As of this date, more than 9 million Toyota vehicles are being recalled worldwide. He also announced that he would soon announce steps to fix the brake problems on the 2010 Prius. He is quoted as saying, “We are in a crisis.”

Will Toyota recover from this tumble?  Only time will tell.  But I’m not sure I will; my faith has been deeply shaken. Before leaving our office for the day, people who own a recalled Toyota joke about who should get custody of their office furniture in the event they don’t survive the ride home. We laugh, of course, but it’s whistling past the graveyard. We cross our fingers…and smile when we see each other the next morning. Stay safe, everyone.

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2
Feb

Alcohol plus Caffeine equals Trouble

After a night of drinking, a cup of coffee used to be considered the perfect preparation to help the drinker wake up before going home. Recently, high-powered caffeine drinks became popular mixers–a drink called “Raging Bull” calls for vodka, tequila, lime juice and high-caffeine Red Bull energy drink.

Now, as reported in ScienceDaily, research suggests that alcohol and caffeine might be the worst possible combination, at least when it comes to safety.

Researchers from Temple University discovered that caffeine does not sober you up…it just makes you less likely to realize that you’re drunk. In addition, you are more likely to act irresponsibly and put yourself and others into dangerous situations.

Caffeine and alcohol have different actions on the brain, and when put together, they interact in ways that are not necessarily what we expect.

Thanks to this research, we now know that when people mix caffeine and alcohol, they have reduced inhibitions, less anxiety, more energy, and an inability to learn and think straight. So you are drunk, mentally and physically impaired, and relaxed…but you also have more energy, you think you are alert, and you have a greater willingness to do crazy things. Like get behind a wheel and drive.

We all know that we should not drink and drive, but I know people still think a little coffee will make the drive home a little safer. Now we know it’s not true. Keep yourself and others safe–there’s no way to quickly sober up after drinking.

(To read more, click here)

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28
Jan

Toyota Suspends Sales Due to Faulty Accelerator

In addition to Toyota’s recall of 2.3 million vehicles (see our January 22, 2010 blog), the company has now suspended sale of sales of all models affected:

  • 2009-2010 RAV4
  • 2009-2010 Corolla
  • 2009-2010 Matrix
  • 2005-2010 Avalon
  • Certain 2007-2010 Camry
  • 2010 Highlander, except hybrid models
  • 2007-2010 Tundra,
  • 2008-2010 Sequoia

The company claims that it has taken this enormous step in order to finalize “an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals.” There is currently no announced plan for how they will fix the problem, nor for when Toyota owners might expect to have their cars fixed.

Toyota says that if you experience a sticking accelerator, contact a Toyota dealer immediately.

Plan Ahead

This is a frightening development. If you drive one of the affected cars, read this (provided by Toyota, in a press release):

If your gas pedal sticks while driving:

• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

If you had an accident because of a sticking gas pedal and want to share your story, contact HensonFuerst at 1-800-4-LAWMED

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26
Jan

Another Step toward Making Roads Safer

In an effort to curb distracted driving and make roads safe for everyone, the U.S. Department of Transportation today made it clear that texting while driving is illegal for drivers of commercial vehicles, including large trucks and buses. Violators could face both civil and criminal penalties of up to $2,750.00.

The announcement cited Virginia Tech research, which showed that texting truck drivers are about 23 times more likely to get into a crash than drivers who keep their eyes on the road.

According to experts, there are three main types of distraction:

Visual—taking your eyes off the road

Manual—taking your hands off the wheel

Cognitive—taking your mind off what you are doing

Texting is so dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction.

Today’s announcement is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing—and from our point of view, highly welcome—campaign to combat distracted driving. Everyday, we hear from people who have been in serious car wrecks, and we are horrified by the role played by this type of distraction.

No message is so important that it is worth risking a life.

For statistics, specific state laws, and tips on what you can do to take action against distracted driving, go to www.distraction.gov.

Click here to read a transcript of today’s announcement.

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2
25
Jan

American Diabetes Association Award

On Saturday, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) awarded a Fundraising Achievement Award to Thomas Henson, Jr. The Tour de Cure is a two-day fundraising cycling event held in 43 states nationwide to help the ADA prevent and cure diabetes…and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. In 2009, 40,000 cyclists in 80 Tour events across the nation raised nearly $17 million. Team HensonFuerst, led by Thomas Henson, topped the fundraising boards with a total of $15,277.50.

Click here to learn about this year’s Tour de Cure 2010.

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25
Jan

Large-Scale Food Recall: Italian Meats, Including Salami

Some popular brands of salami and other packaged Italian meats have been recalled due to risk of salmonella contamination. The FDA categorizes this as a Class I Recall… Health Risk = High. The recall is in effect in 8 states, including North Carolina. At least 184 people have been sickened from these products, and 35 people had to be hospitalized.

Salmonella is not to be taken lightly. Infection with the salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Although most people will recover within a week, severe infection can cause significant complications, including infection of the heart (endocarditis) or bones (osteomyelitis). In rare circumstances, the infection can lead to death.

If you eat packaged Italian meats from Boar’s Head, Black Bear, Dietz & Watson, or Daniele, this recall may affect you. On the package look for the USDA mark of inspection, which will have an Establishment Number. The following numbers are recalled:

EST. 54

EST. 9992

For more information, see the Recall Release distributed by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

(http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_006_2010_Release/index.asp)

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1
25
Jan

Outrage Over Driving and Cell Phone Abuse

Rocky Mount resident Tyler Strandberg has a problem. In the past three years, she had wrecked and totaled three cars. The last one was borrowed from her grandma.

Tyler’s father, Buckley Strandberg, worries about her…but admits to having the same problem. He frequently drives impaired.

At this point, you have probably come to your own conclusion about the nature of the Strandberg curse. Could it be alcohol? No. Drugs? No. The Strandbergs simply cannot put down their cell phones.

An article in last week’s News & Observer highlights the extreme danger of driving while calling and texting. It also clearly illustrates the flippant attitudes of those who put the lives of others in danger.

In 23-year-old Tyler’s own words, “Sometimes I will zone out and forget I’m driving.”

Instead of taking firm action, dad Buckley says that during his 2-hour drives between Rocky Mount and Nags Head,

I’m not just going to sit there in the car….if I run off the road, there are rumble strips that divert me back onto the road.

That’s a plan. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t pull to the left into on-coming traffic instead of onto the rumble strips.

As of December 2009, it has been illegal to text while driving in North Carolina. A driver caught texting while driving will face a fine of $100 plus court fees. The violation will not add points to your driving record however and an insurance surcharge will not be assessed.

When I read about the Strandberg clan, I couldn’t help but think that the punishment might be too lenient. So far, they have only hurt cars. It’s only a matter of time until they hurt themselves…or others…or you or me.

Hey, Strandbergs: LOCK YOUR PHONES IN THE TRUNK!

(Full story: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local_state/story/301086.html)

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1
22
Jan

Another Toyota Recall!

After a long “investigation,” Toyota has finally announced that a recall of about 2.3 million Toyotas that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says pose a serious safety issue.

According to the NHTSA website, the problem is that “the accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash” [italics added]. So far, Toyota has not released its plan to remedy the situation, or even contact owners about the problem. In its own press release, Toyota says that if this happens while you are driving:

…the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

Both Toyota and the NHTSA documents say that Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should call Toyota’s Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Good luck. I tried and got a recorded message that said that no one could answer the call due to high call volume, and then instructed me to “please call back” before hanging up.

You may recall (pun intended) that Toyota had similar accelerator issues in 2009, but the company blamed it on floor mats trapping the accelerator pedal, keeping it depressed even after the driver’s foot was removed. Toyota says the two recalls are not related. If that’s true and it is all a big coincidence, Toyota has had the worst luck with accelerator parts.

The cars involved in this current recall are:

TOYOTA / AVALON 2005-2010
TOYOTA / CAMRY 2007-2010
TOYOTA / COROLLA 2009-2010
TOYOTA / COROLLA MATRIX 2009-2010
TOYOTA / HIGHLANDER 2010
TOYOTA / RAV4 2009-2010
TOYOTA / SEQUOIA 2008-2010
TOYOTA / TUNDRA 2007-2010

To read the recall information posted by the NHTSA, go to their website:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm

To read Toyota’s statement, go to:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

HensonFuerst will post additional updates as they become available. You can also visit our website at www.lawmed.com

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