“Pedal misoperation prevention devices should be legally mandated,” asserts Professor Lee Ho-geun from Daedeok University.
The Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association and the Korea Automobile Importers Association held a briefing on suspected sudden acceleration incidents at the FKI Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 12th. During the event, Professor Lee stated, “99% of the cases claiming sudden acceleration are due to pedal misoperation” and emphasized that “pedal misoperation devices should be made a legal requirement.”
Pointing to the speed involved in sudden acceleration incidents, he explained, “At 108 km/h, you travel 30 meters in one second,” and noted, “In a misoperation situation, there is no time to look down.” He advised that in such situations, one should “push both the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously.” This way, drivers can recognize if they are misoperating the pedals.
As instances of claiming sudden acceleration are rising, there have been calls for the installation of pedal black boxes. In response, Professor Lee argued that “while a detection device for misoperation is needed, drivers shouldn’t have to bear the costs simply to differentiate these situations.”
Following Professor Lee, Professor Choi Young-seok from Hanla University in Wonju expressed his concerns about pedal black boxes, stating, “There could be manipulation through deepfake videos,” showing his opposition to their introduction.
Professor Park Sung-ji from Daejeon Health University’s Police Science Department commented, “Our society is being led by an unfounded fear of sudden acceleration.” Moreover, regarding the installation of pedal black boxes, Professor Park remarked, “Consider who would benefit the most from the installation of pedal black boxes.”
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr