Electric Vehicle Claims "Sudden Acceleration" in Sidewalk Collision
On April 5, 2024, an electric SUV (ESUV) crashed into a sidewalk in South Korea, and a tow truck driver who was responding to the scene was electrocuted.
The ESUV was exiting the underground parking lot of a sports center when it veered onto the sidewalk and hit a parking barrier and a bicycle rack. The driver, a woman in her 40s, told police that the car "suddenly accelerated." She was reported to have suffered minor injuries.
A 40-year-old male tow truck driver who was called to the scene to tow the ESUV was electrocuted and taken to a hospital. The man was reportedly trying to put the car in neutral when he touched the ignition button and was shocked. He was taken to a nearby hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, but his life is not in danger.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity due to their environmentally friendly energy source and technological advancements, represented by companies like Tesla. However, recent issues such as charging infrastructure problems and the termination of government subsidies have led to a shift in consumer preference towards hybrid vehicles or delaying EV purchases.
In addition, concerns about sudden acceleration problems have raised questions about the future of EVs. However, there is also an optimistic view that these issues can be addressed and used as an opportunity to develop more advanced and reliable EVs.
Recurrent Sudden Acceleration Incidents: Phenomenon and Causes
Sudden acceleration can be defined as a vehicle's unintended increase in output or speed. Some experts argue that the term "unintended acceleration" is more technically accurate, as it emphasizes the lack of driver intent. Electronic malfunctions are a common cause of sudden acceleration.
In the case of electric vehicles (EVs), electronic errors can lead to an abnormal supply of power, causing the motor to rotate faster than the driver intends. This can result in a suspected sudden acceleration event.
In internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, excessive fuel supply beyond the driver's intent can lead to increased power output, resulting in suspected sudden acceleration. In this case, rapid engine RPM increase leads to incomplete fuel combustion, resulting in white exhaust gas from the muffler.
Other potential causes of sudden acceleration include:
- Driver error: Pedal misoperation due to driver confusion or panic
- Mechanical failure: Accelerator pedal sticking due to mechanical defects
- Floor mat interference: Accelerator pedal trapped by floor mats
- Foreign object intrusion: Objects (e.g., water bottles, shoes, wet wipes) wedging the accelerator pedal and preventing its return
Sudden Acceleration Incident Response Guide
If you are experiencing sudden acceleration in your vehicle, it is important to remain calm and take action to prevent a collision. Here are some steps you can take:
- Press the brake pedal firmly. This is the most important step, as it will help you slow down the vehicle.
- Shift the transmission to neutral (N). This will disengage the engine from the wheels, allowing you to coast to a stop.
- Turn off the engine. This will prevent the vehicle from accelerating further. Call for roadside assistance
- Engage the electronic parking brake (EPB). The EPB is a secondary braking system that can be used to stop the vehicle if the main brakes fail..
- Once you have come to a safe stop, call for roadside assistance to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Car Sudden Acceleration Response: Active EPB Utilization
As a result of simulating 364 models from 15 manufacturers, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) concluded that the optimal response method is to actively utilize the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The EPB is an electronic parking brake (switch) labeled "P" that acts as a "side brake" in previous internal combustion engine vehicles. It is a separate device from the transmission's "P" gear or the foot-operated "mechanical parking brake" and is installed as a secondary device to prevent accidents.
The reason KOTSA emphasizes the use of EPB is because it is the quickest and easiest way to respond. The EPB operates independently of the mechanical brake. It can be used as a backup even if the brake pedal does not respond. Additionally, the EPB is located within the driver's reach, although the exact location may vary depending on the manufacturer. This makes it easy to use and pull immediately. While preventing sudden acceleration incidents is the best course of action,
it is important to be familiar with the recommended measures and be able to use them in case of an emergency without panicking.
