California Driver Jim Sikes Survives Prius Wildride
Victim of a recalled Toyota accelerator, Jim Sikes survived driving speeds of 90 miles an hour without being able to stop.
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March 11, 2010
Jim Sikes was driving on a southern California interstate, when the accelerator in his Toyota Prius became stuck, the speed reached more than 90 mph and the driver could do nothing to slow the car down.
"I pushed the gas pedal to pass a car, and it just did something kind of funny ... and it just stuck there," a shaken Sikes said at a news conference, quoted by CNN. "As I was going, I was trying the brakes ... and it just kept speeding up."
What is more, instructions from 911 dispatchers were not working, and it was only after they alerted the California Highway Patrol that an officer was able to catch up with Sikes and advise him to apply the brakes and the emergency brake at the same time. It succeeded in stopping the car, but the officer still positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the Prius to prevent it from moving again, the news provider further reported.
Although Sikes' accident was due to a malfunctioning vehicle, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.
In addition, passengers should always wear seat belts as they have been proven to save lives.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.
Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.
Jim Sikes was driving on a southern California interstate, when the accelerator in his Toyota Prius became stuck, the speed reached more than 90 mph and the driver could do nothing to slow the car down.
"I pushed the gas pedal to pass a car, and it just did something kind of funny ... and it just stuck there," a shaken Sikes said at a news conference, quoted by CNN. "As I was going, I was trying the brakes ... and it just kept speeding up."
What is more, instructions from 911 dispatchers were not working, and it was only after they alerted the California Highway Patrol that an officer was able to catch up with Sikes and advise him to apply the brakes and the emergency brake at the same time. It succeeded in stopping the car, but the officer still positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the Prius to prevent it from moving again, the news provider further reported.
Although Sikes' accident was due to a malfunctioning vehicle, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.
In addition, passengers should always wear seat belts as they have been proven to save lives.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.
Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.
