By The Survivors Club Staff
February 8, 2010

Three years ago, Elizabeth James was driving her Toyota Prius near Idaho Springs when the car started to accelerate, and applying the brakes failed to slow it down. The car swerved uncontrollably, flipped three times and landed down an embankment in a nearby creek, seriously injuring the woman.

Her husband Ted told 9 News from Colorado, that "the investigators told me they don't know how Elizabeth survived it. It is amazing she didn't die."

Ted James has spent the last three years trying to alert Toyota to the safety issue but he was unsuccessful, according to the news provider. Now, he hopes to be able to testify at the congressional hearings on the recent Toyota vehicle recall and help get to the bottom of the problem.

Although Elizabeth James' 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.