NHTSA: Prevent Pedal Error Crashes

In driver’s education class, it’s easy for first-time drivers to mix up the brake and gas pedals, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens aren’t the only ones with pedal confusion. NHTSA issued a safety advisory warning on the risk of pedal-error crashes, which the agency says cause approximately 16,000 crashes each year.

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These crashes can affect all drivers, but motorists age 20 and younger and drivers 65 and older are about four times more likely to be involved in a pedal confusion crash than other age groups. Although they can happen anywhere, NHSTA says they occur most often in low-speed situations like parking lots and driveways. They also commonly occur at intersections and highway exit ramps.

NHTSA offers the following tips to help prevent pedal-error crashes:

Get Familiar: Adjust your seat, mirrors, steering wheel and pedals (if they are adjustable) properly before starting the vehicle. If you’re driving a vehicle you don’t normally drive, make sure to familiarize yourself with the location and feel of the accelerator and brake pedals.

Aim for the Middle: Make it a habit to aim for the center of the brake pedal every time the brake is used. This reinforces muscle memory and reduces the chances of pedal error.

Avoid Distraction: While driving, stay focused on the driving task until the vehicle is safely stopped, shifted into Park and turned off. Do not reduce your attention to vehicle control near the end of the driving route simply because the driving task is almost complete and the vehicle is traveling slowly.

Be Cautious: Proceed slowly and carefully when pulling in and backing out of parking spaces.

Wear Safe Footwear: Safe footwear affects your ability to operate a vehicle. Footwear such as flip-flops, heavy boots or high heels can contribute to pedal-error crashes. Wear flat-soled, lightweight shoes whenever you’re in the driver’s seat.