Do you drive with one foot, or two?

[bucolic_frolic]

Last edited Sat Sep 12, 2020, 08:42 AM - Edit history (1)

I avoided an accident this week because I use two feet. Developed the habit when driving in the 90s in the worst rain ever, in tightly congested traffic. Drove that way ever since. Left foot is always light on the brake pedal, ready to pounce. This was the week it paid off. Reaction time was instant. Recent master cylinder didn't hurt either.

This post is not about trying to change your driving, or encouraging you to think about it or experiment, I just wondered if there are other people who drive the way I do for the last 25 years.

[DonaldsRump]

1. One foot unless it's a stick shift

Think about it: The brake pedal and the accelerator pedal do exactly the opposite thing. With one foot on each, you risk inconsistent inputs. With using only one foot, you immediately remove your foot from the pedal that you don't want to use to the pedal you do want to use.

I personally think it's much safer to use one foot. However, that's the way I was taught, so other may have different perspectives.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. It's true you have to coordinate them

but it's only two feet. Not like a piano keyboard. I've never had a problem, never apply the brake while stepping on the gas pedal. My stopping reaction is far quicker.

I'm not trying to argue with you, just clarifying my OP a bit.

[DonaldsRump]

5. For the most part, it's fine to do it either way

But it's the emergency situations where you don't have time to think and have to move instinctively and immediately. That's where I see the one foot driving is most critical.

We live in NorCal. I love it (except for the smoke!), but the drivers are incredibly aggressive on the freeways/highways. I was on I-80 today heading towards Vallejo and nearly rammed into the car in front of me because of some really rash driving ahead of us, causing a potential chain reaction. No one got hit, but I think using both feet in an emergency might cause unintended results. One foot driving means moving the foot cancels the input you want to stop.

[bucolic_frolic]

7. I have no problems coordinating one foot with the other

I would have never driven that way if it were a problem. I stop so much quicker and easier this way.

[DonaldsRump]

10. As Sly Stone famously said, figuratively and literally

"Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks"! (mentioned Sly because I was on the road to his home town Vallejo!)

[brush]

6. Hope you're not one of those drivers whose break light is always flashing...

and causing confusion and frustration to drivers behind, wondering what's going on up there.

[bucolic_frolic]

8. Never

[rurallib]

2. I was taught and still do drive automatics with one foot and

standard transmissions with 2 feet using the left foot only for the clutch.

Got to admit it has been about 20 years since I last drove a standard transmission.
My dad always told me that driving with one foot on the gas and one on the brake wasted gas and burned the brakes out really fast.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Well you don't apply the brake and gas at the same time

It's one or the other.

I had forgotten how to drive a clutch.

[rurallib]

9. You shouldn't apply the brake and gas at the same time, but many do

using only one foot pretty much guarantees you do not do so.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

11. I drive a stick shift. So of course I use two feet.

It does seem to me that always having one foot on the brake and the other foot on the accelerator could be a recipe for disaster, not to mention burning out the brakes quickly.

[bucolic_frolic]

15. Not in my mind, and not in my practice when I drive

[pnwest]

12. People who rest their left foot on the brake pedal make me nuts with

the brake lights constantly going on and off, on and off...annoying AF.

[bucolic_frolic]

14. I don't "rest" is on the pedal

It hangs just above the surface of the pedal, or on the pedal without depressing it even the slightest, so you would never know.

[beachbumbob]

13. Since one of my cars is a stick, 2. Now when I have tires put on,

I have to be sure they have some one who can drive a manual.

[bucolic_frolic]

16. I'm amazed at the negative reaction from so many

I only posted because it is a big and beneficial to avoid an accident, but it seems innovation in the mechanics of driving are not very well received here. Some are being driven crazy by the thoughts of brake lights.

I don't ride the brakes. I am closer to the brake pedal. I don't have to lift my right foot off the gas, move it over, push it back down on the pedal ... which takes the better part of a split second or slightly more.

But hey, you guys do you. I was just wondering if anyone else was a two-footed driver on an automatic trans.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

18. Let me make sure I understand.

The entire time you are driving, your left foot is suspended over the brake pedal. Doesn't that get very exhausting on a long drive?

[JohnnyRingo]

26. I would think so.

Race cars have a foot rest elevated to the left of the pedal to keep that foot near and ready, but I don't know how anyone could drive with their foot suspended above the pedal, ready to apply both the gas and brake at the same time.

More likely to end up resting that foot on the pedal causing fast brake pad wear.

[Chainfire]

17. One with automatic transmission

two with manual transmission and all three if I am driving a tractor.

[2naSalit]

19. Depends on what I'm driving.

I would only drive as you describe in some rare physical disability conditions. But I drive all kinds of things and some require two feet due to clutch but some of those can be driven with one foot too.

[TheCowsCameHome]

20. One.

Left for the clutch, right for the gas pedal and brake.

[sprinkleeninow]

21. Two since I started driving and I won't let on when. 😆

Clarifying: Automatic Transmission

[sprinkleeninow]

22. I sometimes drive with the emergency brake on.

😝

No, I do not!

[SamKnause]

23. 2 and I have always driven an automatic.

My heel is on the floorboard and the top of my foot is hovering over the brake pedal.

I am 67 and have always used both feet to drive.

I have been crashed into several times, but I have never been the one doing the crashing into.

[pansypoo53219]

24. done both. also when i sprained my right foot, drove left footed. OF course back in the 90's when i

was driving thru indiana in my 72/73 delta 88 i would put my right foot on the dash(my seat always as far back as possible) + use my left foot. of course also stick my left foot out the window. i miss my land yachts. also always barefoot.

[JohnnyRingo]

25. That makes it too easy to drag the brake.

After a while the left foot is forgotten. It can put light pressure on the pedal resulting in premature brake wear. Race cars have an elevated foot rest on the left to keep that foot ready and close to the pedal.

No way would I use the brake pedal to rest my foot.