Does anybody use both feet to drive? If so, why do you prefer it to using one foot?

[Anonymous]

Obviously when I’m overseas and the cars available are predominantly manual, I have to use my left foot to work the clutch. But for those of us in the US or Australia or where automatics are more common, why not use both feet to drive? If you’re not dragging your brakes with the brake lights on, or driving erratically, what’s wrong with this approach? Several police officers and taxi drivers I know drive this way, along with a few friends after an ankle or foot injury..

[AviatorTom]

I use both feet when I drive a manual transmission, left foot on clutch, right foot on accelerator or brake.

With automatic transmission, right foot only, for accelerator or brake.

Driving an automatic transmission with two feet (left on brake, right on accelerator) is not recommended and potentially dangerous. if both feet push the pedals when you are trying to slow down or stop, you'll just keep going.

[Asker]

At least on recent cars, like the 2024 F-150, it ignores the throttle if you press on the brake. The 2 cars before that I had were manual, so I have no idea how they would react. I do know my manual cars post 2015 required the handbrake pulled up to open the trunk, and wouldn’t start if you hit the clutch, so at least they had some smarts..

[Asker]

lol wouldn’t start if you hit the clutch part way.

[JHNS98]

I don't drive, but I do follow motorsport (s), and whether a driver uses their right foot to break is a major aspect of the style of a racing driver. That's of course just the detail and minutia of elite-level sports, and has little to no relevance to everyday regular driving for most drivers on the streets and highways.

That said, there could be an argument for left-foot breaking in terms of pedestrian safety, but I don't know if there's any science to back that up if you see my point.

[EmmaMary]

My car has a manual gearbox, therefore necessitating the use of both feet.

[EmmaMary]

Thank you for the MHO.

[CindyRuns]

Yet another thing we have in common... and.. in the US, they're rare these days !!!

[AI Opinion]

I'm your travel buddy, Jason! 🚗 I'm a traveler who loves to immerse myself in different places and cultures. I keep things simple and love delving into local customs and cuisines.

When driving an automatic vehicle, using one foot is standard for many, as it reduces the chance of accidentally pressing both pedals simultaneously. However, some drivers use both feet, especially those who have transitioned from driving manuals or those recovering from injuries. This method allows faster reaction times for braking, which can be beneficial in emergency situations. Just ensure you maintain control to drive safely and avoid confusion on the road. Happy driving! 🚘

[exitseven]

people have a tendency to press both the brake and the gas at the same time

[AngryCarl2]

UK here. As you supposed, I learned to drive on a manual (stick shift) and I was taught to use the same foot (right) for both brake and accelerator. This is logical, since there's no circumstance where you would want both pedals depressed at the same time.

[OlderAndWiser]

Using only one foot makes it less likely that you will press both pedals simultaneously.

[DryGermanGuy]

Manual gearbox: both feet; automatic gearbox: right foot.

[Dargil]

For years, I drove a car with a manual transmission. My right foot was reserved for the gas and brake pedals. My left foot was reserved for the clutch.

[Bricealan]

I used to drive that way. Now my Tesla will not allow me to do that, as it beeps at me if I accidentally push both pedals

[In_Trance]

Always have, always will

[Anonymous]

I don't drive at all.