I have believed this particular incident was a hoax from the beginning. The brakes obviously didn't fail (they were seriously worn and smoking). Everybody who believes the Prius is so overpowered it can't be controlled with brakes raise your hand... go ahead... anybody? I checked it out with my own Prius and it takes a light left foot on the brakes to keep the car from coming to a quick stop when the accelerator is floored (my 2002 does not shut down under the same conditions the second and third generation Prius cars do).
It is impossible to avoid the conclusion the driver was deliberately working the accelerator and brake to produce these results. I can't speculate on his motivation, but the facts are solidly against his story.
It is impossible to avoid the conclusion the driver was deliberately working the accelerator and brake to produce these results. I can't speculate on his motivation, but the facts are solidly against his story.