01344 770892investigations@trl.co.uk
TwitterLinkedin
  • TRL Main Site
Top bar menu
Search
Expert Witness & Investigations ServicesExpert Witness & Investigations Services
Expert Witness & Investigations Services
Proven. Trusted. Effective.
  • Why Us
  • Our Services
    • Collision Investigation & Reconstruction
    • Rapid Response Scene & Vehicle Inspections
    • Initial Appraisal Service
    • CCTV / Dashcam Footage
    • GPS / Cycle Computer Analysis
    • Mechanical Vehicle Inspection
    • EDR / Black Box Downloads
    • Injury Causation, Including Seat Belt and Helmet Usage
    • 2D Scene Plans
    • 3D Simulation
    • Driver & Vehicle Visibility Assessments
    • Vehicle Infotainment / Telematics System Downloads
    • Tachograph Analysis
    • Vehicle Fire Investigation
    • Vehicle Identification
    • Highways Investigations
    • Collision Investigation Training
  • The Experts
  • Testimonials
  • News
  • Contact Us
Menu back  
Expert Witness Home > What is ‘Pedal Error’?

What is ‘Pedal Error’?

October 29, 2020Expert Witness, Vehicle safety

 

Pedal error – i.e. pressing the wrong pedal – is a phenomenon that occurs more regularly than many people would expect. It is typically associated with automatic cars, though it can happen in any vehicle if the driver removes their feet from the pedals. As we cannot see into the footwell, we can lose orientation of our foot and become reliant on touch and learned behaviour of where we expect the correct pedal to be.

Ultimately, the error is all in the mind and centred around the ‘efference and reafference system’. Take the example of approaching a junction. The brain sends a message to press on the brake pedal and the foot replies to confirm the action has been performed. The brain compares this feedback to its initial request and confirms the action is as expected.

In reality, the foot is pressing on the accelerator by mistake. Our vestibular-ocular system (balance and sight) informs the brain that we are in fact getting faster and sends the instruction to press the pedal harder. The foot does so as it believes it is in the right place doing the right thing and there is no feedback to suggest otherwise. The incorrect sustained use of the accelerator can be catastrophic.

There is a debate as to whether this error constitutes careless or dangerous driving. Here at the TRL Expert Witness & Investigations Team, we are promoting awareness of pedal error – also known as Sudden Acceleration Syndrome Hypothesis (SASH) – and encouraging improved clarity on the legal implications to aid court processes.

Any questions?  Contact us!

Expert Witness & InvestigationsPedal errorSASH
Related posts
TRL calls for wider implementation of eCall to improve road safety
December 15, 2020
Vehicle Collision Fraud
December 15, 2020
Mechanical Vehicle Inspection
What do we do with vehicle inspections?
October 29, 2020
Q&A – Event Data Recorders (EDRs)
September 23, 2020
Video Footage: Dos and Don’ts for Getting the Best Evidence
September 22, 2020
Did you know that TRL’s Investigations & Expert Witness team investigate more than just traffic accidents?
March 2, 2020
Search
Recent Posts
  • Vehicle Collision Fraud
  • TRL calls for wider implementation of eCall to improve road safety
  • What do we do with vehicle inspections?
  • What is ‘Pedal Error’?
  • Q&A – Event Data Recorders (EDRs)
News Archive
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • March 2020
  • December 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018

Proven, Trusted, Effective

To find out more about our Team & the Services we offer, please email investigations@trl.co.uk  or call 01344 770892

Contact Us
Services
  • Collision Investigation & Reconstruction
  • Rapid Response Scene & Vehicle Inspections
  • Initial Appraisal Service
  • CCTV / Dashcam Footage
  • GPS / Cycle Computer Analysis
  • Mechanical Vehicle Inspection
  • EDR / Black Box Downloads
  • Injury Causation, Including Seat Belt and Helmet Usage
 
  • 2D Scene Plans
  • 3D Simulation
  • Driver & Vehicle Visibility Assessments
  • Vehicle Infotainment / Telematics System Downloads
  • Tachograph Analysis
  • Vehicle Fire Investigation
  • Vehicle Identification
  • Highways Investigations
  • Collision Investigation Training
Contact Us

01344 770892
investigations@trl.co.uk

Investigations Group
TRL Limited
Crowthorne House
Nine Mile Ride
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 3GA

Expert Witness & Investigations Services
TRL Registered Office: Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berks, UK, RG40 3GA. Registered in England, No. 3142272, VAT Registration 664 625 321.
© Copyright 2020 TRL. All rights reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility
Boilerplate