An Overview and Testing of Pedal Misapplication Systems

Performance testing was conducted to assess the effectiveness of five different pedal misapplication mitigation (PMM) systems in a simulated PMM scenario. These systems are components of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which are designed to detect and mitigate inadvertent sudden accelerator pedal misapplications by drivers. A 2023 BMW iX, 2020 Tesla Model 3, 2014 Subaru Forester, 2020 Subaru Outback, and a 2023 Subaru Ascent were tested in a simulated pedal misapplication scenario, whereby the test vehicle's accelerator was quickly depressed with a stationary pedestrian and vehicle target in front of the test vehicle. The testing involved measuring the performance of the respective vehicles' pedal misapplication mitigation systems, including when or if engine/motor output or throttle was limited or reduced, whether a forward collision warning was provided, or if the vehicle automatically engaged braking and/or braked to a stop before contact with the soft targets. Results of the five vehicles tested will be presented and compared.