Ray LaHood and Department of Transportation Keep Pressure on Toyota

The Department of Transportation is doing its part to make sure Toyota makes good on its recall efforts. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood went so far as to urge drivers of affected Toyotas not to drive their cars until they get repaired. Later, LaHood stepped back from the statement, saying that owners should take their vehicles to the dealership to get repaired. LaHood also told the press that he plans to speak with Toyota president Akio Toyoda about the ongoing accelerator pedal issue.

It appears that the U.S. Department of Transportation is giving Toyota very little slack, and rightfully so. According to LaHood, the Department was actually behind Toyota’s decision to stop production and sales on the eight affected models. He also said that the NHTSA will continue to look at other possible problems with the Toyotas. [via NY Times] [Photo: merfam]