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Reference.org
Sudden unintended acceleration
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<p>Sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) is the unintended, unexpected, uncontrolled <a href="/facts/Acceleration/UVDmjYvR">acceleration</a> of a vehicle, often accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness. It may be caused by some combination of driver error (such as <a href="/facts/Car_controls/A7ylCyEu">pedal</a> misapplication), or mechanical or electrical problems. The US <a href="/facts/National_Highway_Traffic_Safety_Administration/hz6QB8SN">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> estimates 16,000 accidents per year in the United States occur when drivers intend to apply the <a href="/facts/Brake/p8751fV6">brake</a> but mistakenly apply the accelerator. </p>