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NHTSA: 16,000 crashes annually are caused by “pedal error”

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The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is starting to count the number of mishaps that often result with someone driving through a storefront window or into a crowd of pedestrians on a sidewalk or in a shopping mall parking lot.

Drivers use the brake almost a million times per year, usually with no problem. But each year, approximately 16,000 preventable crashes occur due to what NHTSA calls “pedal error” when drivers mistake the accelerator for the brake. Pedal error crashes can present serious safety risks to the vehicle occupants, surrounding motorists, pedestrians, and property.  

Of course, experienced drivers know “pedal error” is simply a symptom of a more pervasive problem.  And that’s why NHTSA is treading lightly.

It’s important to understand that when these incidents occur, the brake pedal is typically not at fault but since it cannot speak for itself it’s an easy scapegoat…

To further imply that it’s the vehicle and not the driver who’s to blame, here’s NHTSA’s helpful tip:

  1. Aim for the Middle – Make it a habit to aim for the center of the brake pedal every time the brake is used. This reinforces muscle memory and reduces the chances of pedal error.

Are you kidding me?

If you can’t blame the brake pedal, blame your shoes!!   NHTSA’s tip #3 says: Wear the Right Shoes – Your footwear affects your ability to operate a vehicle. Footwear such as flip-flops, heavy boots, or high heels can contribute to pedal error crashes. Wear flat soled and light-weight shoes whenever you’re in the driver’s seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pedal Error and How Does It Occur?
Pedal error crashes can occur when the driver steps on the accelerator when intending to apply the brake; the driver’s foot slips off the edge of the brake onto the accelerator; or when the driver intends to apply only the brake, but steps on both the brake and the accelerator.

How common are pedal error crashes and who do they generally happen to?
A NHTSA study shows that these crashes can occur up to 16,000 times per year in the United States – that’s almost 44 incidents per day. While these crashes can affect all drivers, the study shows that drivers under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 experience pedal error crashes about four times more frequently than other age groups.

How is pedal error related to “sudden acceleration”?
Sudden acceleration refers to unintended, unexpected, high-power acceleration, accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness that typically occurs from a very low initial speed when the driver is attempting to stop the vehicle. Investigations into reports of these incidents by NHTSA, NTSB and others during the past 40 years have not identified any vehicle defects that can cause sudden failures of both the throttle and braking systems and have attributed these complaints to pedal error by the driver.

If you need more info… call NHTSA’s Safety Hotline at (800) 424-9153.

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