left foot braking
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by IndySilverAnny
I HATE LEFT FOOTED BRAKERS!
They're the ones driving down the road with the brake lights blinking on and off because their foot is resting on the brake enough to just trip the switch.
They're the ones driving down the road with the brake lights blinking on and off because their foot is resting on the brake enough to just trip the switch.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: north central Indiana
Any "sloppiness" or poor driving has NOTHING to do with which foot you use to brake with. It's just bad driving...period. If you can't control what your feet are doing, park the vehicle and walk.
I'm a left footer (when driving an automatic...) and proud of it...lol. I've read more than a few tests done that concluded that left foot braking results in much quicker reaction times than right footin' it, and I'm a firm believer. If someone is more comfortable braking with their right foot, that's fine. As long as you can get that thing whoa'd, that's all that really matters. Just because a person is a crappy driver doesn't mean they're a "lefty", and just 'cause someone is a "lefty" doesn't mean they're a bad driver.
Just my two cents.....okay, maybe a nickel...
I'm a left footer (when driving an automatic...) and proud of it...lol. I've read more than a few tests done that concluded that left foot braking results in much quicker reaction times than right footin' it, and I'm a firm believer. If someone is more comfortable braking with their right foot, that's fine. As long as you can get that thing whoa'd, that's all that really matters. Just because a person is a crappy driver doesn't mean they're a "lefty", and just 'cause someone is a "lefty" doesn't mean they're a bad driver.
Just my two cents.....okay, maybe a nickel...
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Left Foot Braking And Accelerating
Because of an injury, I have taught myself to drive exclusively with my left foot. I have been driving for 40 years, have driven a taxi in NYC, delivery trucks (Ford of course) and pretty much live in my car. My question is: Is it legal to drive using only your left foot (on both the brake and accelerator)? I live in New York State. Anyone have any reliable information? Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: wichita kansas
I'm left handed but only use the left foot for a clutch. I've seen too many times people driving with their brake lights on because of the left foot plus it wears the brakes extra and at one time they claimed it could overheat your brake fluid. I've tried the left foot braking in tight places but I guess since I wasn't used to it, it always made it really awkward and jerky.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 0
I learned how to drive with my left foot because of a knee injury a few months ago, but it still doesn't feel right. As soon as I was able to use my right leg again I don't use my left foot for anything but the clutch.
You should never use your left foot on the brake except for trail braking through a corner. Otherwise its just a good way to wear out your brakes and the patience of the people behind you.
You should never use your left foot on the brake except for trail braking through a corner. Otherwise its just a good way to wear out your brakes and the patience of the people behind you.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
I too am a left foot braker. My Dad was a racing car driver/builder and taught me to left foot when i got my first quarter midget. He drove nascar modifieds, indy cars,sprint cars, midgets,TQ's, GTP and just about everything that can be raced, left braking/heel and toe. He had many championships and knew what he was doing. The left foot braker has a shortened reaction time and applies the brakes smoother. This really helps getting in to the corners on short tracks and road racing and avoiding wrecks. There is no way a left foot braker confuses the throttle and brake like the people who drive in to 7-11 stores (how the heck can you accidentally hit the throttle with your left foot? That would be as successful as a monkey trying to screw a football.). I have no problem switching between left/right or heel and toe braking. I never ride the pedal. I don't jab the brake like many right footers do. It is easier to modulate the brake when the left foot is always there. It is better to learn to drive this way from the start as it becomes a conditioned response. Switching after years of right footing is usually not a good idea. If you are not cordinated don't try this.
just my 02
Scucci
just my 02
Scucci
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Originally Posted by scucci
There is no way a left foot braker confuses the throttle and brake like the people who drive in to 7-11 stores (how the heck can you accidentally hit the throttle with your left foot? That would be as successful as a monkey trying to screw a football.).
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25
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From: Perth Western Australia
As I stated earlier I think left foot braking is something that is not for everyone and does take getting used to and some people will never be able to do it, hell some people can't even get the hang of using a manual gearbox and clutch 
so can drive auto's only 
. It is the same as someone coming from the US to Aus or vice versa and having to use the opposite hand to change a manual gearshift it is not inherently dangerous just something that needs to be practiced to be mastered, you would not call top racing drivers dangerous and yet a lot do it ( and some don't of course ) so there must be some advantage to it. 
so can drive auto's only . It is the same as someone coming from the US to Aus or vice versa and having to use the opposite hand to change a manual gearshift it is not inherently dangerous just something that needs to be practiced to be mastered, you would not call top racing drivers dangerous and yet a lot do it ( and some don't of course ) so there must be some advantage to it.
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