NHTSA Complaint #764434 — 2000 FORD WINDSTAR

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, WHEN THE VAN LURCHED AND SURGED OVER AN ENBANKMENT. SINCE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I FEEL THE PROBLEM WAS MECHANICAL.EVEN THOUGH I CANNOT SWEAR MY FOOT DID NOT SLIP OFF THE BRAKE I DO NOT THINK IT DID. IT IS MY OPINION THAT SOMETHING CAUSED THE WINDSTAR TO SURGE AND EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE HIT THE EDGE OF THE PAVEMENT AT THT EDGE OF THE EMBANKMENT, HIT THE GROUND 8-10 FEET DOWN THE EMBANKMENT, SLID 3/4 SIDEWAYS DOWN THE HILL, HIT A CONCRETE WATER RUN OFF GULLEY AND ROLLED ONTO THE BOTTOM OF THE LEFT SIDE THEN ROLLED BACK UPRIGHT. THE IMPACT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL WAS HARD ENOUGH TO BREAK THE FRONT WHEEL, AND CRACK THE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. AT NO TIME DURING THIS "WILD RIDE" DID MY SEAT BELT TIGHTEN,OR SECURE ME IN THE SEAT. I FOUND MYSELF WITH MY BACK OVER THE RIGHT ARM REST ON THE DRIVER SEAT. I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO BE ONLY BATTERED AND BRUISED BY THIS CRASH. I BELIEVE HAD I BEEN A FRAIL PERSON SERIOUS INJURIES WOULD HAVE OCCURED. I AM STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY LOWER BACK, IT IS SORE AND PAINFUL TO TOUCH. I ALSO AM HAVING SOME MUSCLE SPASMS IN MY LOWER BACK AND UPPER LEGS, WHICH I BLAME ON THE SEAT BELT NOT SECURING ME IN PLACE.*AK