Foot placement errors or 'pedal misapplication' is considered tobe a likely cause of unintended acceleration accidents. Evidence of the phenomenon is described including 2 observed instances. In an attempt to understand the process, principles of human performance and movement control are examined. It is suggested that the problem may occur due to errors in execution. Ways in which lower-level processes may interfere with the execution of an action are examined. The reasons for pedal errors not being detected and not being correced are considered. The processes described are applied to other types ofaccident. A number of design modifications are suggested to prevent unintended acceleration including shift-lock mechanisms which prevent the driver from shifting into gear unless pressure is applied to the brake pedal and the redesign of pedal configurations.
Abstract