Throttle Mech Failure Analysis
Tuesday, July 10th, 2001 Auto TechnologyStatements by an insured that the accelerator pedal stuck and caused an automobile accident are not unusual. Although many such claims are unfounded, some do, indeed, have technical merit. In one instance, an insured was driving a van when the accelerator pedal did not return to the closed throttle position. Repeated jabs to the pedal did not rectify the condition. The claimant then jumped from the vehicle, an action which, apparently, did not cause serious injury. The vehicle continued forward, starting to turn slowly in a circle, traveling over curbs and a vacant field. The serious injury to the claimant occurred when the vehicle circled back and ran over the claimant. Witnesses indicated that the vehicle was traveling about 20 mph — attesting to the theory that the vehicle throttle was at least partially open.
