What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Why are some drivers seemingly incapable of left-foot braking?

I continue to be astonished at the letters in your columns on the subject of left-foot braking, and just thought you might like some more support for your arguments on this. I have driven an automatic car for many years. I have two feet, there are two pedals, what other allocation than one foot per pedal makes any sense? I'm also sure it's safer because in situations when I think I may need to brake I can have my left foot hovering over the brake pedal, whereas in a manual car braking involves lifting the right foot, moving it across, before depressing it. Sometimes I drive a borrowed or hired car, which nearly always (except in the USA) has manual gear change. I seem to cope with the switch to right-foot braking without any trouble.

Asked on 20 November 2010 by CP, Luton

Answered by Honest John
Many thanks for your support. Two feet, two pedals, what could be simpler? But regarding the email on which you comment, I thought the edited version of my reply was quite good, because it was as anti inflammatory as it is possible to get against the uncoordinated who cannot left-foot brake and therefore think that if they can't do it, no one should. Every successful race and rally drive in the world left-foot brakes, every smooth driving chauffeur left-foot brakes. All I can try to do is save a few more lives in car parks where the unwillingness to left-foot brake seems to cause the most deaths.
Similar questions
I have just ordered a 435i M-Sport and now have a few days in which to decide whether or not I should go for the 8-speed autobox. I have always been a 'stick' man but think I should move into the brave...
Unfortunately, I recently had my first serious car accident and am in need of some advice and information. The car involved was a 1995 Volvo 460 Automatic, which we have had regularly serviced and garaged....
I am a fit and active 75-year-old and learned to drive in London in a Ford Popular when I was 17. I have always driven manual cars. Being barely five foot tall I have enjoyed the adjustable seat and steering...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer