This study focused on pedal misapplication accidents which have become a social problem. A driving simulator was used to reproduce the situation in which missteps are likely to occur, which was extracted from Japan Traffic Accidents In-Depth Database. We analyzed the pedal operation when the vehicle was stopped and when it was restarted. The stepping method that inverts the ankle joint requires less movement than the stepping method that moves the entire leg, making it easier to step on the accelerator side when braking. In startled situations, pedal depression speed was shown to increase, which could lead to unintended acceleration.