Politics & Government

Proposed Law Related to Fatal Santee Wreck Halted

Legislators clash years after the controversy over Toyotas and Lexuses suddenly accelerating. A CHP officer died in the 2009 crash.

Proponents were disappointed Tuesday that a proposed auto safety law related to Santee didn't make it out of committee in Sacramento, according to U-T San Diego.

Four years ago Mark Saylor, of the California Highway Patrol, died, along with his family, when the Lexus Saylor was driving malfunctioned, causing him to crash on state Route 125 in Santee.

His wife, daughter and brother-in-law also were killed. The accident sparked controversy for Toyota and Lexus, amid fears that the problem, a sudden and uncontrolled acceleration, was widespread.

The bill calls for auto dealers to fix all flaws in used and rental vehicles subject to recall before letting them be driven off their lots. It is proposed by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, who the report said will not let the bill die.

She will bring it back in another legislative session.

See video, above, for background on the case, which spawned a legal battle between the family and Toyota.

Click here for posts concerning recent crashes at the end of Route 125 in Santee


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