Driver mistakenly steps on the gas pedal: Causes and prevention

To ensure safety when participating in traffic, drivers need to learn and master the following tips.

1. Causewrong foot on the gas

- Unstable mentality:This error is common in people who are new to driving or are not yet proficient in driving, leading to not being familiar with pressing the correct brake or accelerator pedal; especially when encountering a situation requiring emergency braking, because they are not used to it, they easily fall into a state of panic, so pressing the wrong foot is very likely to happen.

Sometimes, even though you realize you've pressed the wrong accelerator pedal, you instinctively press it again, potentially causing a high risk of an accident. It can be said that an unstable mentality and being absent-minded when an unexpected situation occurs are the main causes of the above fatal mistake.

- Incorrect sitting position while driving:Another possible cause is that the driver has an incorrect sitting posture, using the right foot to hold the accelerator and the left foot to brake. This posture not only makes the body tired and uncomfortable, but in the long run will lead to complications in muscles and bones.

Furthermore, in this position the driver will not have enough braking force, and can even be easily confused in unexpected situations.

- Habit of using two feet when driving:For automatic cars, the accelerator and brake pedals are arranged in a straight line with the right foot extended, which is the most secure sitting position. If the driver intentionally puts his left foot on the brake pedal, this foot will always be placed in a crooked position, making the sitting position uncomfortable. When encountering situations requiring sudden braking, the braking force will not be enough.

While the right foot is only on the accelerator for a long time, when encountering an unexpected situation requiring braking, the accelerator cannot be released in time, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the brake. As a result, the vehicle loses control.

- Keep your foot on the gas pedal:Usually, accidents happen when you accidentally step on the gas pedal. Drivers are lazy or forget to move their foot to the brake when not using the gas pedal. When the car encounters an unexpected problem, they habitually step on the brake, but at this time their foot is not used to it and they accidentally step on the gas pedal, causing serious accidents.

- Forgot to shift gear, still in D mode:This is the third most common cause, which comes from the habit of keeping the car in D mode and keeping the foot on the brake when stopping the car temporarily. While stopping, if the driver moves his/her sitting position or takes his/her foot off the brake, it will be very dangerous, especially when there is an unexpected situation that needs to be handled, the driver will easily be passive and confused.

2. Principles to avoid accidentally pressing the gas pedal when braking

- Feet do not leave the floor:To avoid accidentally stepping on the gas pedal, the driving position must be correct. As soon as you get in the car, the driver needs to adjust the seat to be most comfortable, easily controlling the brake pedal, gas pedal, handbrake, and gear lever. A comfortable sitting position will help the legs to be flexible, not "stiff" when handling situations.

The driver must maintain the principle of keeping the heel on the floor, using only the right foot to control the accelerator and brake. At this time, the heel is in line with the brake pedal and only the ball of the foot is used to move between these two functions. Keeping the heel firmly on the floor helps the foot position to be correct, avoids misplacement and especially can easily adjust the accelerator or brake force.

- Take your foot off the gas and apply the brake:Drivers should maintain the habit of "taking off the accelerator - applying the brake" - meaning that as soon as the right foot is taken off the accelerator, immediately turn the right foot to the brake to form the habit of always being ready to brake in all situations. This action should be practiced even when there is no dangerous situation because it helps the driver to always be ready to brake, instead of pressing the accelerator.

Remember: Take your foot off the accelerator and immediately move to the brake to form the habit of controlling the vehicle's speed.

- Stop and park properly:For stopping and parking situations, hand operation is as important as foot operation in limiting the error of mistakenly pressing the accelerator. In case of just stopping the car temporarily (waiting for a red light, asking for directions), shift to N and pull the handbrake. Pulling the handbrake is never redundant because it helps your foot relax, just rest it lightly on the brake for a short time and make sure the car does not roll on a slight slope.

When stopping for a long time in a safe position, the driver should put the car in P and pull the handbrake. In addition, it is important to maintain the habit of turning the steering wheel to the side of the road when parking on steep terrain to avoid the car running off the road or drifting too far in case of a downhill slide.

- Make a habit of pulling the handbrake when parking:The habit of pulling the handbrake is also very necessary to limit accidents caused by "mistaking the brake pedal for the accelerator pedal". In some recorded real cases, many drivers when stopping suddenly have the "illusion" that their car is drifting backwards because they see the cars on both sides moving forward, so they hastily step on the accelerator. But in reality, due to "relativity", when you stand still and other cars move, it is easy to be mistaken that your car is drifting.

Therefore, pulling the handbrake will also help you be more proactive when you know for sure that the car is not drifting, thereby being calmer in handling the situation between the brake and accelerator pedals.

- Focus and calm: The most important thing for a car driver is to stay focused and calm while driving and even when the car has stopped. Focus will help the driver always control himself, the accelerator and the brake pedal, helping to control the car more smoothly and safely. In addition, calmness will help drivers not to panic and confuse the brake and accelerator when encountering unexpected situations in traffic.

Remember: A focused and calm state of mind while driving is the most important factor in ensuring your safety when participating in traffic.