Traveling distance of 0.2 miles in a residential complex with 15 mph speed limit, on an uneven road that loops around. The road goes on a slight incline as it bends towards the left reaching my parking destination, a 2-car stall. At slow speed I made a right turn into the stall (a break-release-break maneuver) when the car lurched and suddenly picked up speed. Visualizing a wide pedal in the middle I hard-pressed the brakes with my right foot, same time thinking I should not pass the white post (about halfway of the stall) instinctively put my left foot over the right to press harder on the brakes. Next thing I know the car stopped and noticed white particles floating around. The airbags deployed - front, knee and side airbags activating roadside assistance (SOS). The engine would not start, and I can’t open the driver’s side door and window. The car crashed into the guardrail and right front wheel went over the concrete bump on the ground. I sustained chest and leg injuries. There is no other passenger, or third party involved. I did not hear or see any indication of system alerts or warnings before and during the incident. Car was totaled. While waiting for assistance and thinking about what happened it never occurred to me to wonder if I mistakenly stepped on the gas until the police at the scene brought it up. I had at least 3 lurching incidents on this vehicle, but the brakes worked. I could not replicate these incidents as it happened randomly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11433006
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2021