Why the "Out of Control" Prius Driver Is Full of It

This is one more pile of BS. The guy sounds like he was half drunk or he probably should not be driving anything other than a shopping cart.

 

I don't think he would know how to slow down a shopping cart that he was pushing uphill, nor listen to anyone advising him how.

 

My god! Why are people driving around in these complex cars without knowing how they operate?! Why are people not reading the manual?!! I don't get it - they get all whinny when things don't go their way and clamor for more safety, when in fact all sorts of safety information (important, vital, safety information) were being blatantly ignored by the very same drivers!!

 

I have been disecting my Prius since I got it last month (2006 version) and I am playing with the various sensors. The accelerator pedal cannot get stuck electrically. It is just 2 potentiometers (variable resistors). You can completely detach the accelerator pedal and use 2 potentiometers from Radioshack to control your cars acceleration. That is ALL the pedal is. If the pedal was stuck, it is mechanical. Having looked over the pedal and its subsytems under the dash, I dont see a physical way for the pedal to get stuck unless there are external forces such as his foot or some magic floormat.

I call BS. He probably just wanted a new car, and this way the insurance company will pay for him.

 

In hindsight, I really hope this idiot tried to game the system and pretend there was an issue with the Prius. Maybe only then will the mass public wake up and realize what's going on...

 

Maybe defective cruise control can cause unintended acceleration, but the brakes, starter switch and gear selector would all also have to fail at the same time to not be able to stop. Then there is the parking brake to use that doesn't depend on any electronics.

 

Re: Sikes says he has no plans to sue Toyota

Why in the world would you even bother? I'd say the uppity f-word, but you're not worth it. Go crawl under yer rock...

 

Okay folks... did a little searching. I cut and pasted this from a website that I will list below the snippet:

Unbeknownst to most people, the Prius being a hybrid has a system called regenerative braking. Because of this, the brakes on the car are quite large in comparison to the size of the car and the horsepower it can generate. That car's brakes have the ability to stop the car if the car was at FULL throttle! This is NOT the case in all cars but it is in the Prius.

This whole story stinks to high heaven! Consider the following coincedences:

1. It happens right after being told by the dealer his car is not part of the recall.
2. It happens on a VERY deserted part or a rural highway where traffic is always light.
3. It happens at 1:30 in the afternoon so as to further minimize traffic.
4. It happens in the same town as the CHP officer incident.
5. He claims to not be able to shut the car off or put it in neutral but as soon as the CHP arrives, he's able to do both.
6. He drives allegedly at 90mph and is on the phone with 911 for 24 minutes.
7. He of course now has an attorney and guess what, it's the same one who represents the CHP officer who was killed in August.

There's more but I think any sane person can get the picture. This is so phony it defies description and when all this comes to light, I sure hope the press is as hard on him as they have been on Toyota!

Posted

James Sikes and His Toyota Prius Acceleration Problem: Too Much Hollywood Script? - News Article - toyota, california, toyota prius

THE GUY IS AN AHOLE AND A SLEAZE BAG.

 

A post on the above mentioned site:

Jim Sikes?.....The name sounded familiar to me, then it clicked. He was the owner of a foreclosed home that we were trying to buy last year in Bonita, a suburb of San Diego.
That in-of-itself is not enough to question someone's character, but the fact that he gutted the ENTIRE kitchen out of this 4,000 ft custom home certainly is! They stole EVERYTHING before moving out. Appliances, cabinets, granite countertops....even the lights!
What made it even more pathetic at the time was we learned that he and his wife were pretty well known local realtors whom you'd think would be above such sleazy shenanigans.
I'm tempted to contact Toyota corporate and have them scrutinize this joker carefully.

Don't know if it is true or not, but interesting nonetheless.

 

Re: Sikes says he has no plans to sue Toyota

Thank you for proving my point. The truth shall set you free....

 

Jim Sikes claims he's not seeking a financial settlement from Toyota.
LIAR!!
He says that now, but, rest assured, he will be. The guy is pond scum. I hope investigators rip this guys heart out.

 

Another comment from the "Hollywood script" story.

 

James Sikes story would of been more credible if he was not wearing a Corvette Owner Club of San Diego jacket at the time of this incident. You would think someone in a auto club would have enough experience to put the vehicle in neutral and glide to safety.

Imagine James Sikes in a runaway Corvette being chased by the CHP wearing a Prius Owner Club of San Diego, now that would be scary.

 

Re: Sikes says he has no plans to sue Toyota

Maybe folks would be more impressed for your love of the truth if you changed your user name... I don't understand how you could still be driving a Prius endangering yourself, your family and friends and every other driver on the road?

 

Re: Sikes says he has no plans to sue Toyota

Boy this gets more interesting:
1) financial issues in 08 (not confirmed but if true makes an interesting profile). I see a lot of folks do desperate things when the bills mount up and/or live style drastically changes.
2) Cannot put a car into N (or slow it down) for what 20 - 30 minutes but he can once the police shows up?
3) Quick with the press meetings
4) Same county (or city) as the original accident- someone else mentioned this
5) Occurs on an open highway with little traffic in the afternoon
6) Wears a Corvette jacket
7) Happens the same day of the Toyota hearings/meeting- is this guy trying to help domestic brands...be the hero of some sort? Perhaps he has a personality quirk.

I predict a copy cat in 30 - 45 days but probably in another state.

Hey if it is true than shame on all of us but if I were Toyota I'd be inspecting everything (like the brakes) and then take action against him.

 

Re: Sikes says he has no plans to sue Toyota

This is offensive and inappropriate. Please edit your post to remove this.

 

The Sikes' real estate business appears to be booming. 3 listings on SAN DIEGO Real Estate. Patty and Jim Sikes Professional Realtors.. And one a trailer house in Jacumba.

 

After seeing the news report of the "run a way" Prius in Ca...my husband said "we need to get you a new car". I told him he was nuts! I can't understand why the guy did not shift into neutral!!! I explained to him what he should do if he is driving and that happens (if ever). He seems a little better. As for me, I am not giving up the car and gas mileage I love because of a news report. I am driving on!

 

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A lot of people fly in a lot more complicated airplanes. The big difference is you can't pull an airplane over to the side of the road.