Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

The US dept of Transportation says Toyota accidents were caused by driver errors

This is from the Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703834604575364871534435744.html

A few days ago a co-worker and I were talking about this same topic. The final comments we shared were that we hoped Toyota AND everyone else learns from this experience. As a Quality Supervisor I have started looking twice at the decisions we make here where I work. And sadly I've started, it should have been part of my decision making process all along. Fortunately we haven't had Toyotas recent bad luck. I think I've allowed my previous on the job training over-ride some of the caution that needs to be in place. Is better late than never acceptable?

A GA from me. I share your scepticism about the news media. I really can't see how people will take what the read in the paper or on the news as gospel. There is usually a shread of truth in every story, but after massaging it and taking it out of context, it rarely resembles the whole truth. I'm like the fellow from Missouri; Show me.

Someone once said "there are always two sides to every story". This is not true; there are many sides to every story. The version you accept is the one that you choose to believe.

As for Toyota, there were lots of people around looking for an opportunity to bash a succesful foreign car builder.

One big problem with the news reporters (and the net is the worst case) is that to many reporters don't only report but insert their editorial comments. If I want editorial opinion I read the editorial section.

CNN, BBC and especially Fox are the worst offenders (don't watch any local news - that would be in Turkish anyway).

You are 100% correct that the 'news' highlights what they think has caught the public's eye and will draw them to the channel or paper - news of the moment.

Coming up toward flu season again - soon the news will concentrate on that tired subject for months - no doubt they can get someone from the UN to make a stupid statement to start them off.

My sincere thanks to Brave Sir Robin who hit the nail on the head.

The problem hasn't gone away, and it is still killing people - It's just old news, or maybe some hush money was circulated. Computers crash- it's simply a fact. The question is not IF, the question is WHEN? Trusting a life support system (automotive throttle) to a computer without an acceptable alternative is exceedingly irresponsible, and the accident data proves what any decent risk analysis would predict.

Better not fly then - or do much except hide under the bed.

quote, 'decent risk analysis' - has Toyota not done such a thing you think - I expect they have and more than once.

Doesn't it make you wonder just what motives are behind some reports. Competitors sponsor studies of products , services ,etc., and get the results they want only to release those results in ways that enhance their position. I believe this is a very common occurrence and the media feed on this and those that are uninformed buy it and spread it around free of charge . Great way to save on publicity don't you think?

h