Every year, motorists step on their brake pedals nearly 1 million times. Although most of these brake applications occur without incident, in some cases, motorists can experience pedal error, which occurs when:
- They mistake the brake for the accelerator pedal;
- Drivers’ feet slip off of the brake and onto the accelerator; or
- Drivers inadvertently step on both the brake and the accelerator pedals.
Regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have recently revealed that pedal error is causing about 16,000 auto accidents in the U.S. each year. On a daily basis, this means that about 44 pedal error-related accidents occur on U.S. roadways. Below are some important facts to know about pedal error.
Pedal Error: Here’s What You Should Know
Pedal error, a dangerous and preventable phenomenon, causes 44 auto accidents every day in the U.S., a Denver car accident lawyer explains.
When it comes to pedal error and traffic accidents, the facts are that:
- Pedal error tends to occur in the presence of other vehicles – In fact, the NHTSA reports that pedal error most commonly occurs when drivers are trying to slow down at intersections, driveways/alleyways, highway exits and in parking lots.
- Pedal error can cause sudden acceleration – With pedal error, a vehicle’s throttle tends to fully open while little to no brake force is applied. This can result in sudden unintended acceleration, leaving motorists with minimal time to try to, first, figure out what happened and, second, to try to avoid a crash.
- Some drivers are more susceptible to pedal error than others – Although any driver can be prone to pedal error, those who most commonly experience this phenomenon are motorists who are 20 or younger, as well as those who are 65 and older. In fact, these groups reportedly experience pedal error car accidents about 4 times more often than motorists between the ages of 21 and 64 years old.
- Pedal error and the accidents it causes is 100 percent preventable – This may be the most important fact to know about pedal error, as it can help motorists be alert to avoiding the behaviors that increase the risk of pedal error. In particular, to minimize the risk of pedal error accidents, the NHTSA recommends that drivers wear the right shoes, familiarize themselves with the vehicle(s) they drive, avoid distractions and drive defensively.
Denver Car Accident Lawyer at Cederberg Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident – or if you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, contact a Denver car accident lawyer at Cederberg Law to find out more about your best options for financial recovery.
At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case.
To meet with us at no cost or obligation to you, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the side of the screen. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.
