[Dedicated to Elderly Drivers] Measures to Prevent Pedal Misapplication Accidents (Updated Sequel)

Why do people press the wrong pedal, the accelerator instead of the brake?

In reality, it is not that they are pressing the wrong pedal, but rather that they 'intend' to place their foot on the brake but fail to do so, leaving their foot on the accelerator while thinking they are pressing the brake.
When this happens, they panic, thinking 'it should be slowing down but it's accelerating,' and press the accelerator even harder.
It is only natural to panic when you think you are pressing the brake.
Unfortunately, the cause seems to be that due to aging, the commands from the brain and the movements of the body do not align.

There is a pre-driving (pre-start) warm-up exercise that is effective for alleviating and reducing this state, and hopefully preventing it altogether.

The details of the method are as follows.

❶ Sit in the driver's seat with the engine off (P).
* Please ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged (if it is a handbrake, pull it up) and the gear is in P.

❷ Place a small cushion between your thighs so that your knees do not spread apart.
You may also lightly tie your knees together with a long towel or other soft cloth.
Something made of elastic rubber material that can be fastened with Velcro might be good.
There is no need to tie them tightly.

❸ Place your right heel on the floor.

❹ First, place your toes on the brake and press down firmly.

❺ Slowly release the brake and move your toes to the accelerator.

❻ Tap the accelerator lightly with your toes as if to rev the engine slightly, then immediately release it.

❼ Move your toes back to the brake, press down firmly, and release.

❽ Now move your toes to the accelerator again. Press down slightly and release.

❾ Move your toes back to the brake and press down.

To ensure you can reliably move between the brake and accelerator pedals, start slowly and raise your awareness by saying the names out loud (brake, accelerator, brake, accelerator) as you operate them.

Once you have grasped the sensation and become accustomed to it, try repeating the movements several times as quickly as possible, aiming for your personal best speed.
If you feel any discomfort or pain in your joints or muscles, such as your knees or ankles, stop immediately and rest your body.
If the pain persists, please consult your family doctor.

Finally, remove the cloth that was lightly tying your knees together and try repeating the movements in a free state.

It may seem extreme, but if you can realize that it is difficult to move your toes to the brake when your knees are wide apart (with your legs spread), then this is a great success.

You should be able to see that keeping your knees slightly closed makes the range of motion for your ankles easier and changes the movement.

Incorporate this movement as a warm-up before starting your car, and repeat it until you are satisfied.

Even when you are actually driving, if you consciously operate the pedals with your knees kept slightly closed, you will be able to prevent the state of pedal misapplication.

* The cause of this 'pedal misapplication prevention measure' and the hint about the movement of bringing both knees together are based on a comment (suggestion) received from 'Jidaiokure no ND'.

News of the accident that triggered this

Special Thanks

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Thank you for your suggestions.

Conclusion

Before rushing to voluntarily return your driver's license, there should be simple measures you can take yourself.
I hope this article serves as a helpful reference for preventing accidents, not only for elderly drivers but also for their families and all concerned parties.

Related note articles

Please take a look at the related articles if you would like.

That is all.

2024/3/29
J-Oyaji