Unintended acceleration

[SocialCat50]

100% of my mystery-pedal-applications, after detailed forensic analysis, were determined to have stemmed from 13EEE interference. I think it's the Russkies...

Apparently computer and battery burned It couldn’t be downloaded Mechanic said Toyota had similar problems Don’t know if the battery burned first causing the accident Trying to find others with the same experience

 

[eNate]

You lost me. What do you mean "burned?"

 

[Whereitis]

I remember an incident in my car (actually an X1/9, but that's not really relevant) from a lot of years ago:

I stopped in a sloping petrol station, pulled on the handbrake and started to get out - and suddenly realised that the car was gliding forward into the car in front. So I pulled myself back in and stamped on the footbrake, which went to the floor. And then, even after I understood that my foot must actually be on the clutch, I could not make my brain allow me to take my foot off the clutch and back onto the brake!

Luckily the handbrake was within easy reach, and I yanked it on harder - the car then of course stopped.

It made me realise that the way the brain works when under sudden stress is not always as you think it should be...

Kudos for thinking of the brake lever. That's one more reason why every car should have one

 

[SocialCat50]

Apparently computer and battery burned It couldn’t be downloaded Mechanic said Toyota had similar problems Don’t know if the battery burned first causing the accident Trying to find others with the same experience

You lost me. What do you mean "burned?"

As in a fire there was a fire ?! Mechanic could not download from computer due to burning and battery also was on fire

 

[eNate]

As in a fire there was a fire ?!

As in you're asking me or telling me ?!

You've totally lost me. You're 12 posts in. How do you go from "Brakes failed Car accelerated until it crashed" / "crashed into a parked truck" to "my battery burned?"

Who tows a burned-out car to the dealer? Was the fire all-consuming? How was it put out? Like, I don't know if you're here to legitimately engage in a conversation, or just to troll us.

You register to this site I assume looking for answers or to relate a story about a terrible experience but don't bother with any of the details.

Best of luck.

 

[eNate]

Kudos for thinking of the brake lever. That's one more reason why every car should have one

Yeah, you're right! I'm guessing electric parking brakes don't work when the battery is aflame. smh

 

[Mustrum Ridcully]

A UK study pegs 65 as the average age for pedal misapplication. A NHTSA / North Carolina study says a significant factor is the different in height between the brake and accelerator pedals, where pedals on an even plane are more likely to be confused than a slightly higher (within reason) brake pedal. The study combines this aspect with driver age to develop a more complex model.

Hopefully my car is reliably and safely self-driving me before this befalls me.

Well, yesterday, I (age 77) experienced "unintended acceleration". Just after I left Cardio Rehab, I slowly pulled in to park in a marked spot at a shop one mile away. (identified by a 5-gallon plastic bucket filled with concrete to hold the sign just behind a standard concrete wheel stop.
As I went to apply the brake. My wet shoe slipped off the brake and onto the accelerator pedal, and before I could react, I hit and climbed over the stopper and the bucket, damaging the plastic front under-tray. I will need a new front bumper cover, and it is uncertain if the radiator will be all right; I could see some damage, though. It is not leaking, and it has yet to throw a code.

This was 100% my fault. My main excuse is that. I had just finished a tough one-hour cardiac rehabilitation workout and was a bit shakey and tired; I should have waited to rest before leaving the hospital rehab building.

This was my first accident in more than 20 years, and it had me shaking for a while.
So, $1000 deductible plus the need for a rental car for who knows how long as I wait for parts from BMW.

So, beware of slush on your shoes. If your foot is not centred over the brake, it can slide right off it onto the accelerator, and the instant power/torque will climb over anything, given half a chance.

As I age, I must increase my vigilance to try to compensate for my slowed reflexes

 

[eNate]

So sorry to hear that!

Remind me to be cautious when I have helium-filled legs after a tough bike ride or a day skiing (though not likely driving the i3 to Tahoe).