Crime & Safety

Toyota Likely to Blame For Local Crash

Police say a malfunction in a 2005 Toyota Prius likely caused a one car accident that took place Tuesday morning in Purchase.

Carmaker Toyota appears to be to blame for a single car accident that occured on Purchase Street early Tuesday morning, bringing what has become a national concern onto local roads.

The vehicle, identified as a 2005 Toyota Prius, sped out of control at about 7:45 Tuesday morning while being driven from a driveway. The woman driving the vehicle, who has not been identified by police, said that the car's breaks did not respond while the car suddenly gained speed on a flat driveway. The car accelerated as it crossed over Purchase Street and crashed into a stone wall.

The driver of the vehicle was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Acting Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said that the physical evidence at the scene corroborates the woman's story.

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There was no other traffic in the area while the car sped across the street.

"Fortunately, as the car crossed both lanes of traffic, no one was in the area," said Marraccini. "If she collided with another vehicle, the results could have been devastating."

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If the accident was caused by vehicle malfunction, this would be yet another stab at Toyota's already hurting image. The carmaker has already recalled thousands of vehicles this year because of floor mats that have caused car problems nationwide.

In this accident, the car's floor mats were not a factor, according to police. 

"They (the floor mats) were attached in place by not only the factory hook, but a plastic tie that went through the mat," said Marraccini.

This means that the accident was likely caused by a problem with the Prius' gas pedal. 

The vehicle is owned by Joe Leff of 3700 Purchase St. Leff was not in the vehicle during the accident.

Harrison Police are currently holding the car in a lot behind their headquarters. Marraccini said that he has been contacted by Toyota, who would like to obtain the vehicle, but he is not in a position to release the car at this time.

Once the vehicle is released to the owner, it will be his decision whether or not to return it to Toyota, said Marraccini, adding that he has no timetable as to when the car will be released from the police station.


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