NOMIX single pedal, combined pedal, sudden acceleration accidents
Monday, December 13th, 2010
Although the traditional separate accelerator and brake pedals, which appeared at the same time as the model A Ford, are technically simple and functionally safe, they nevertheless embody two crucial drawbacks. First, the reaction time for a driver to move his or her foot from the accelerator to the brake is about 0.2 seconds; a vehicle traveling at 90 km/h moves 5 meters during that time. Second, there is the hazard of pressing the wrong pedal, ie a poor depression on the brake pedal or simply contacting the wrong pedal (eg, pressing the accelerator rather than the brake pedal). At least in nearly all vehicles with an automatic transmission this latter type of error can result in “unexpected acceleration,” a phenomenon that is conceptualized by the driver as being something wrong with the vehicle but is actually caused by the driver pressing fully on the accelerator, thinking he or she is pressing the brake pedal (Schmidt 1989).
Related posts:
- Toyota Recall Rap Song (What to do if Sudden Acceleration)
- Toyota Acceleration Problem Is Still Unresolved – ABC’s Nightline
- Video Expert recreates Toyota sudden acceleration
- Dodge Chrysler Sudden Acceleration Defect With Newer Chrysler Vehicles (NOT just Toyota!)
- Toyota Recall Information – Sudden Unintended Acceleration
