This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Pedal Errors in Late-Model Automobiles: A Possible Explanation for Unintended Acceleration
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Claims of unintended acceleration in automatic transmission cars is an industry-wide problem. Studies have indicated that in some instances the driver presses the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, and sometimes persists in this error until an accident occurs. (1) (2)
Tests were designed to determine whether pedal errors affect some makes of car more than others; whether certain groups of drivers are especially prone to such errors; and whether errors occur primarily by chance or in combination with such factors as the physical characteristics of the driver, divided attention, unfamiliarity with the vehicle, etc.
During static testing, 26 pedal errors were observed, 14 of them typical of unintended acceleration. One additional error was observed during field tests. It is concluded that pedal errors are more common than has been generally assumed, and that in rare instances such errors result in characteristic unintended acceleration.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Tomerlin, J. and Vernoy, M., "Pedal Errors in Late-Model Automobiles: A Possible Explanation for Unintended Acceleration," SAE Technical Paper 900142, 1990, https://doi.org/10.4271/900142.Also In
References
- “An Examination of Sudden Acceleration,” Pollard John Sussman E. Donald Transportation Systems Center
- “Sudden Acceleration in the 1978/86 Audi 5000,” Canada January 1989