Toyota saga continues

Six million Toyotas have been recalled in the U.S. because of faulty accelerators, and new data shows that some models not on the recall list may be just as accident-prone.

The New York Times reported Toyota Camrys built before 2007 have similar speed-control problems, and of the complaints filed, have a higher percentage of accidents. The 2002 Camry had about 175 complaints and roughly half of those involved accidents, while the recalled 2007 Camry had about 200 complaints, with less than 50 of those ending in crashes.

The president of Toyota, James E. Lentz III, testified last week before Congress that other giant automakers also had complaints of uncontrollable acceleration. Data from the Times showed that Ford did have more accelerator-related complaints with 3,500 total, compared to Toyota’s 3,000. However, out of those complaints the Toyotas were linked to over 500 more crashes.

In the past nine years, one out of every 20,454 Toyota owners has filed an accelerator complaint.  Ford came in a distant second with one complaint per every 64,679 vehicles.

While Toyota executives say the cars have been checked and are clear of defects, Japan has seen similar trends in their Toyotas manufactured before 2007.

Governor used more than state police to hush abuse case

Governor David Paterson called off his election campaign last Friday after the New York Times revealed that he intervened in an assault case involving one of his closest aides, but new information shows his dealings with the State Police weren’t his only efforts to keep the case quiet.

The New York Times reported that inside sources have come forward saying Governor Paterson told two employees to call the woman involved in the assault case with his close aide. According to the sources, who have direct knowledge of the Governor’s actions, Mr. Paterson instructed his press secretary and another state employee who was a friend of the woman to call her asking that she publicly describe the incidents as nonviolent.

Not only did he use his aides to reach the woman, but he had a call arranged between himself and the accuser directly. After the calls from the Mr. Paterson and the female aides, the woman failed to show up for her court hearing on February 8, so the case was dropped.

Late Night Returns to Normal

From 11:30 to 10:00 and back again, Jay Leno and the NBC nighttime programs have flipped, flopped, and ended up right where they began. Jay Leno returned to his Tonight Show gig, taping his first show this afternoon.

People reported Leno said he felt good to be home, but joked about being nervous because he knew “Oprah and Dave” would be watching. Guests on his first night back included Lindsey Vonn, Jamie Foxx and country star Brad Paisley. The show will air tonight at 11:30.