South Korea: Columnist Argues 'Sudden Acceleration' is Driver Error, Not Mechanical Fault

The notion of "sudden acceleration" in vehicles, often blamed on mechanical defects, is frequently a misperception of driver error, according to a Dong-A Ilbo columnist. When faced with sudden fear, the brain's "survival switch" can override rational judgment, leading to mistakes like pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. While drivers may genuinely not recall their actions in such split-second moments, their claims of mechanical failure have consistently failed to hold up in court, with one high-profile case even being overturned by the Supreme Court.

Incidents of suspected pedal misoperation have surged, with Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance reporting a jump from 66 cases in 2021 to 153 last year. Fatalities have also risen dramatically, from 15 in 2021 to 51 in 2022. Notably, 70% of these "pedal misoperation" accidents between 2021 and 2025 involved drivers over 60. While experienced drivers may have better situational awareness, their reduced reaction times in crises can increase the likelihood of such errors.

To address this, new vehicles are increasingly equipped with safety aids like the "Acceleration Control Device" (ACPE), which limits speed to below 8 km/h if a person or obstacle is detected nearby. Europe has incorporated this into safety assessments, Japan mandates it for cars produced after September 2028, and South Korea will require it in new cars from 2029. However, retrofitting these advanced software systems into existing vehicles is technically complex and could even create new risks. Therefore, current efforts focus on regulatory improvements, such as expanding alternative transportation options for drivers with declining cognitive or physical abilities.