Friction fundamentals and accelerating cars

We have all read about the problems with uncontrolled acceleration of automobiles due to faulty accelerator pedals. Friction has been identified as the likely culprit, and the proper combination of geometry, materials, and lubrication will likely lead to a solution. Why did this happen? It is too early to answer that question with any certainty, but I do know that most engineers, including mechanical engineers, do not fully understand the friction phenomenon. Failure to understand the fundamentals of such a pervasive physical effect is bound to lead to design failures, some of which might be catastrophic.