Lawmaker says Toyota, government failed drivers who are left wondering if cars are safe

Lawmaker: Toyota drivers wondering if cars safe

WASHINGTON — The chairman of a House committee investigation Toyota’s massive recalls says the big number of complaints from drivers over sudden acceleration shows the automaker and regulators “failed their customers” on safety.

Rep. Edolphus Towns, a New York Democrat, said Toyota drivers are left wondering if they could also face a terror-filled crash like a runaway Lexus that killed four members of a family last August in San Diego.

Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda will be subjected to intense questioning later Wednesday from committee lawmakers. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will also testify. Lawmakers want to know if Toyota and the government did enough to address safety concerns that arose well before Toyota’s recalls began last fall. It’s the second such hearing in as many days.