An actual malfunction would have been solved by now. But like certain of the applications for disability based on a “bad back” or “excessive pain” during the range of normal work activities, the problem was largely of imaginary origin.
Not to be discounted, is the possibility that the operator of the motor vehicle suffered from a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, which makes it difficult to determine just exactly WHERE your feet are, if you are not looking right at them. The kinesthetic sense is distorted, and while the person may imagine that the brake pedal is being forced down, the foot is actually on the adjacent gas pedal, which would result in “unexpected” acceleration.
Not everybody has the presence of mind to simply turn off the ignition switch during this “sudden acceleration”, making ANY acceleration totally impossible.
Not everybody has the presence of mind to be out driving on public roadways.
Of course, if you do turn off the ignition, your steering wheel locks in whatever direction it happens to be pointing at that moment.
And your vacuum-assisted brakes? well...