When my car was rear ended 18 months ago, and totaled, I had to shop for a new vehicle. No small task when I am married to the king of research. And I mean research –every detail.

My stance was simple: no Toyota. The scary stories were all over the news: Toyotas were inexplicably accelerating and drivers could not stop them, and the cars crashed. Several people lost their lives and still denial and silence from Toyota. No assuming responsibility. Nothing. Instead, the company concealed information about defects from consumers.

This week the Justice Department fined Toyota $1.2 billion for their criminal actions.  I have no idea if $1.2 billion makes a dent in their profits, but should my new car ever experience dents, I will continue steering clear of Toyota. 

(S-R photo: Attorney General Eric Holder announces a $1.2 billion settlement with Toyota over its disclosure of safety problems)

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