COMPLETE DRIVING TUTORIAL

- - - - - - - by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - -

3.  THE RIGHT FOOT POSITION

A very obscure fault in many drivers is the incorrect position of the right foot over the accelerator and brake pedals.

It may seem an insignificant issue, but the wrong placement the right foot can play a vital role in an emergency.

The correct position over the brake:

 

Correct position over accelerator:

 
The heel rests on the floor. The right foot points upward above the brake pedal. When using the brake, apply pressure in the center of the pedal with the ball of your foot.   To reach the accelerator, leave the heel on the floor and swivel the right foot to an angle of 45 - 60 degrees. (Never use both feet driving an automatic vehicle!)

Using the toes to press the brake does not achieve the same level of control. In wet weather, shoes are wet and may slip off the pedal.

Always wear proper footwear for driving. Never drive barefoot. Avoid slip-ons without heel strap or flip flops. (Licence examiners will refuse to conduct a driving test).  

There are advantages to positioning the right foot correctly:

The brain will naturally associate with the accelerator when the foot is at an angle, and the brake and braking power, when in the north-south position.

Novices and elderly drivers are far less likely to confuse these pedals, which happens regularly with disastrous consequences.

Approaching a hazard, which is anything that could develop into an emergency, alert drivers should 'cover the brake'. Having the right foot above the brake not only reduces speed, but cuts down stopping distance.

If only a saving of 1/4 of a second is achieved, driving at 60 km/h, it reduces total stopping distance by 4.16 meters, the length of a car, much more at higher speeds. The right foot in the right position at the right time may avoid crashing. (See Chapter 33).

Experienced drivers cover the brake frequently and naturally. Learner drivers must be taught this basic skill right from the beginning.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

All articles Copyright Dieter Fischer 2001 / Site revised 2020.