Unsecured floor mats pose hazards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Toyota Motor Company are urging owners of 2007 and 2008 Lexus ES 350 models and certain other Toyota vehicles to make sure driver-side “all-weather” floor mats are secured properly to prevent the accelerator from getting stuck.

Toyota announced recently it will conduct a recall of all the affected floor mats, which are used in the 2007/2008 Lexus ES 350 as well as the 2007/2008 Camry. NHTSA and Toyota noted that, if unsecured, the mats being recalled can slip forward and trap the accelerator pedal down, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably.

Although not part of the recall, NHTSA urged drivers of other Toyota models, including Avalons and Prius hybrids, to check the driver-side floor mats to make sure they are properly installed. While the recall is underway, drivers of these Toyota vehicles are strongly urged to make sure the driver-side floor mat is properly secured to the retention hooks on the floorboard. Also, never overlay two mats on top of each other because the retention hooks cannot secure the top-most mat.

NHTSA reminds all drivers of all makes and models to check the driver-side floor mats for secure installation and to follow manufacturer instructions for installation.

For more details, consumers can contact NHTSA’s hotline at (888) 327-4236 or their Toyota or Lexus dealer.

Oklahoma marks 100th anniversary

A year-long celebration of Oklahoma’s Centennial will conclude on Nov. 16 with a giant party in Guthrie and Oklahoma City, among other cities.

Oklahoma’s first capital, Guthrie, will hold a week of events from Nov. 10–17, including Statehood Day on Nov. 16 featuring a re-enactment of events that took place on the first Oklahoma Statehood Day in 1907. There will be a barbecue, parade and more in this city located just 30 miles north of Oklahoma City.

Statehood Day will conclude in Oklahoma City, the present capital, with the Centennial Spectacular in Ford Center featuring a star-studded list of Oklahomans from stage, screen and concert halls. For more details, visit www.travelok.com.