Sudden unintended acceleration: Causes and Solutions

Acceleration works like fire – a cruel master and a good servant. Acceleration can be joyful, but when you don’t want can turn into a nightmare. Sudden unintended acceleration is the most deadly defect in the history of automation. It happens when the car’s electronics cause the throttle to expand wide open. It makes it difficult for the driver to return the car to idle if it remains in gear. Further, it severely limits the ability of the brakes to bring the vehicle under control – leaving the driver at a mercy of a fast running uncontrollable car. Millions of people injure and die because of a suddenly accelerated vehicle issue, in today’s world.

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What Causes Unintended Acceleration?

The primary reason for sudden unintended acceleration while braking is the malfunction in the electronics, controlling the vehicle’s power train. The cases of the throttle control mechanism have risen to a next level since the introduction of throttle control mechanism in the modern vehicles. Indubitably, advancement in vehicles has made the cars safer, but the modern electronics increase its complexity. However, the possibility of malfunction remains high and sudden acceleration is still a major issue to deal with.

1. When does Sudden Unintended Acceleration Occur?

Reasons for Sudden unintended acceleration — Sudden unintended acceleration can cause car breakdown (photo source: Depositphotos)

There is nothing fixed – a sudden acceleration can happen anytime. Because of certain design changes in vehicle electronics, most accidents happen when the vehicle is under way. Shifting gears, disengaging the cruise control, applying brakes, etc. gives rise to sudden acceleration. These common conditions cause a disturbance in the electrical current that prompts a dangerous malfunction.

Solutions Sudden Unintended Acceleration

Controlling the car with sudden unintended acceleration requires some knowledge – it may not be possible for a neophyte. Here are some ways to deal with it:

1. Use Brakes

Although, it is a natural reaction, yet using the throttle emergency is imperative to use brakes as hard as possible. Do not keep pumping the pedal instead keep it steady. The brakes will need more force than usual, so, muster more force than you can. The car won’t slow down at a normal speed but brakes are more powerful than the car’s engine, so eventually, the brakes will win.

2. Shift to Neutral

This is the best option in an emergency. In case, the throttle is wide open, the engine might alarm high. Do not worry about the throbbing the motor as most electronic limiter comes with automatic spinning, which controls the disturbance due to the sudden shift.

3. Turn off the Engine

All about sudden unintended acceleration — Ways to stop sudden unintended acceleration (photo source: web.sonoma.edu)

By now, your car is well under control. But to be safe, shut off the engines. Some modern cars have push-button starters, which you may have to hold for 2-3 seconds to stop the engine. While doing so, be careful as the break-pedal pressure may slightly increase. In order to maintain safety, pull the car off the road and call for help.

To win a sudden unintended acceleration situation, do not panic and stay calm. To face the dangerous situation, gather professional knowledge and learn some more tips. After all, safety comes first.