New York Runaway Toyota Prius a Case of Driver Error?

March 18, 2010 — -- New computer data has cast doubt on a case of an alleged "runaway" Prius in Harrison, N.Y.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today said an examination of the "vehicle's onboard computer systems" found there was "no application of the brakes and the throttle was fully open." The findings contradict the driver's claim that she was had hit the brakes, but they failed to stop the car.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 9, a 56-year-old woman in Harrison said her Prius suddenly accelerated as she pulled out of a driveway and sped across the street before it slammed into a stone wall.

At the time, acting Harrison police chief Capt. Anthony Marraccini supported the driver's account of stepping on the brake pedal. However, after reviewing the vehicle data provided by Toyota, Marraccini reversed himself and told reporters "human error" may have been the cause of the crash.

Asked for comment on NHTSA's statement, Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons deferred to local law enforcement. "Toyota's role was to assist the Harrison Police Department with its accident investigation," said Lyons. "They will be issuing the final investigation report, including the information provided by Toyota and NHTSA.

On the day of the accident, the driver of the Prius told police she had not previously experienced problems with sudden acceleration in the car, because of news reports she was taking the car to a local Toyota dealership to be checked.

"She said the car accelerated and continued to accelerate," Marraccini told ABC News. "She said she tried to brake." According to Capt. Marraccini, the driver kept hitting the brakes, but the car wouldn't stop. The vehicle traveled about 150 feet before the driver lost control, crossed two lanes and hit a stone wall. The woman suffered an injury to her knee.