Spring Hill teen critically injured in crash with Hillsborough deputy in Citrus Park

CITRUS PARK — Three teenagers suffered serious injuries after their car crashed into a deputy's cruiser on Citrus Park Drive. The injured were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and University Community Hospital in Carrollwood.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, no one was cited or charged and the accident as it is still under investigation.

Toyota power steering problems – INVESTIGATION – Losing control of steering at highway speeds

NATIONAL – According to a Transportation Department official, they plan to begin a formal investigation into potential problems with the 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla power steering. 

The Toyota Motor Corporation was already looking into some complaints of power steering problems with the Corolla and was considering a recall. However, Toyota said “there have been fewer than 100 complaints.” Drivers have complained they feel they were losing control over the steering, particularly at highway speeds.

Toyota sold approximately 300,000 Corolla models in the United States last year.

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TOYOTA MOTORS - Toyota Corolla Steering Complaints Under Review – Another Safety Issue?

NATIONAL – According to Automotive News, Toyota may have another safety headache on it hands, this time involving the popular Corolla model.

According to various media reports, the. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing a number of complaints involving steering on the 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla, and may open a formal probe. The Corolla has been the subject of 83 power-steering complaints to the NHTSA. At least 76 of those reports involved the Corolla unexpectedly veers to the left or right at 40 miles an hour and up.

In recent months, Toyota has also recalled millions of vehicles around the world because of incidents of dangerous, unintended acceleration. Just a few months prior, in September 2009, Toyota announced it was recalling and replacing floor mats on approximately 4.2 million vehicles which were allegedly causing accelerator pedals in the vehicles to become stuck in the depressed position, leading to uncontrollable and rapid acceleration of the vehicle.

These recalls have put into question Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability. Last months recall also created huge legal headaches for the automaker, which now faces at least 35 lawsuits filed by customers in the U.S. and Canada alleging, among other things, negligence and unjust enrichment.

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AIRBAG DEFECT - Airbag Recall - Honda - Accord - Civic - Odyssey - CRV - Acura TL on list of concern

NATIONAL - Bloomberg News reports the recall includes "437,763 vehicles globally." In the US, "vehicles to be repaired include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars, Odyssey minivans, CR-V sport-utility vehicles and 2002 Acura TL cars." 

During a conference call, John Mendel, Honda's US executive vice president of sales, said the company "knows of one death and 12 incidents related to the air-bag defect."

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TOYOTA STICKY ACCELERATORS may cause tragic accidents

NATIONAL - State Farm told NHTSA about sticky accelerators in 2007. In continuing coverage, the AP (2/10, Thomas) reports that State Farm insurance announced yesterday that it "alerted" NHTSA "in late 2007 about a rise in reports of unexpected acceleration in Toyota vehicles, the latest warning sign to emerge about the massive recall.

NHTSA officials said the report was reviewed and the agency issued a recall later that month. NHTSA received complaints about acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles as early as 2003, and congressional investigators are looking into whether the government missed warning signs of the problems."

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BayFlight - Car hit pedestrian then ran red light to flee - Largo Police investigate - SERIOUS INJURIES

LARGO – According to Bay News 9, Largo police are searching for a hit-and-run driver they say hit a pedestrian.

The incident occurred near East Bay Drive and Seacrest Drive in Largo.  Witnesses said, a car hit an unidentified person, and initially stopped before speeding off -- running a red light.  A BayFlight helicopter flew the victim to the hospital with serious injuries.  The pedestrian is reportedly in critical condition.

Police officials are looking for a newer model silver or light-colored car with front-end damage including broken headlights and a broken windshield.

STUDENT FROM OSCEOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL HIT by a car - STOPPED SCHOOL BUS

SEMINOLE -- A vehicle drive by a 69-year old woman hit a student from Osceola Middle School after she attempted to pass a stopped school bus, according to officials. The school bus was at a complete stop with the stop arm out, stop sign, and lights activated when the incident occurred.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 12-year-old girl was attempting to cross the street when the driver of the car tried to pass the bus in a no passing zone and ran over the girl's foot. The injured child was taken to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and will require surgery.

The crash remains under investigation.

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