Pedal misapplication is one of the scariest things that could go wrong when driving. Accidents caused by pedal misapplications fall under Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA). SUA could be due to multiple reasons like mechanical problems with the car or just human error. In this Mazda 3’s case, it looks to be purely human error.
Based on the pictures, it looked like the driver’s slipper fell off his feet while driving, or there is a possibility that the driver had simply removed the slipper when driving, and lodged itself behind the throttle pedal.
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As the car was stuck accelerating forward, it didn’t stop until it crashed heavily into a light pole.
Car manufacturers have created systems that will suppress engine output to prevent the car from shooting forward as a means to combat pedal misapplication accidents caused by driver error.
Even the Perodua Myvi A.S.A has a Pedal Misoperation Control system to prevent a crash although the system is basic and only works at 10 km/h. But still, this falls under “better than nothing” category.
In any case, if your car does not have systems like the Pedal Misoperation Control system like Perodua cars, there are a few ways to handle the situation:
- Stomp on the brakes as hard as possible - most cars are programmed to override other responses when the brakes are applied.
- Switch car gear to Neutral – if the car has an automatic transmission, quickly shift the gear to Neutral. This will cut off the drive gear and prevent the engine from sending more power to the wheels.
There isn’t a time in memory that doesn’t involve staring at cars. After discovering the excitement of watching Schumacher vs Hakkinen, Formula 1 became a major part of life. The love for cars and F1 ultimately led to a job with CAR Magazine. The untimely death of the magazine meant a hiatus from cars at lifestyle women’s magazine Marie Claire before another opportunity came knocking again.
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