Toyota Dealers Asked to Inspect Cars after 4 People Died in Crash

September 16, 2009

Los Angeles, California - Toyota ordered all dealers to inspect cars for uneven floor mats after investigators released a statement saying that a gas pedal that snagged on a mat may have caused the crash that killed four family members in San Diego County.

Toyota Spokesman Brian Lyons said that more than 1,400 Toyota dealers nationwide are required to inspect new, second-hand, and loaned vehicles to make sure that mats properly fits on the floor especially on the gas and brake pedals.

Lyons also warned customers to immediately bring their cars to dealers for free inspection if they see any irregularity in the shape of the mat.

Two weeks ago, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor, 45, and three of his family members died when his car hit an SUV and rolled several times before bursting into flames.

One of the passengers, Chris Lastrella, 38, who is Saylor’s brother-in-law, called the 911 a minute before the crash and told the operator that the brake and accelerator pedals were stuck.

The recorded conversation ends with a loud noise and a woman screaming.

The SUV driver sustained injuries but is now in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an investigation and discovered that the car’s mat extends longer than the usual.

Investigators believe the mat could have snared the accelerator pedal while Saylor was driving.

Saylor’s wife Cleofe, 45, and daughter Mahala, 13, also died in the accident.