Two-footed driver vs. Prius computer

FarmGeek · 10-25-2006, 10:33 AM

My wife and I were driving to work discussing her recent lunch with her brother who wanted a ride in our Prius. She had him drive as that is the best way to experience the Prius. Based on his comments since, I bet he buys one.

Anyway, the discussion turned to other drivers in our families and we started wondering what would happen if one of the two footed drivers (one foot on the gas, the other on the brake) drove of Prius.

What does the computer do when you're braking and accellerating at the same time?

Wondering of if any one else has contemplated this?

Tadashi · 10-25-2006, 10:37 AM

My wife's grandfather does that. :P I think the only thing that would happen would be a lower MPG. The brakes would not wear out as fast as if this was done in a non-Prius. That and your brake lights would alway be on.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 10-25-2006, 11:11 AM

You have to understand that the Prius is entirely "drive-by-wire" meaning that the steering wheel and pedals are not mechanically connected to anything. Rather, you turn or push the device and the computer decides what the best course for action is at that time.

Therefore, there are some things that the computer will not allow you to do. One of these is to press on the brake and the gas at the same time. That's just silly and the Prius knows it. Someone mentioned it a while back so I took Priapus to a nearby parking lot and tested it.

So what I'm saying is that if the two-footed driver is accustomed to having both at least somewhat pressed at the same time - for whatever reason - the car will shut off the gas and apply only the brake.

narf · 10-25-2006, 11:28 AM

Left foot braking is a good thing on the track, but really not a good idea on the street. Most people who left foot brake will end up lightly resting their foot on the brake pedal when they are driving and slightly drag the brake. I think that even on the Prius you will end up wasting energy by doing this.

The other problem with this is the constantly glowing brake lights. Whoever is behind the driver will never know when they are stopping because the brake lights are alway on or always flashing on and off.

galaxee · 10-25-2006, 12:14 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Oct 25 2006, 11:11 AM) [snapback]337984[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

You have to understand that the Prius is entirely "drive-by-wire" meaning that the steering wheel and pedals are not mechanically connected to anything. Rather, you turn or push the device and the computer decides what the best course for action is at that time.[/b]

there is still a mechanical connection from the steering wheel to the wheels, we're not quite that advanced yet

David Beale · 10-25-2006, 12:15 PM

I drive that way. Brake with the left foot when driving autos. I don't press both pedals at the same time. I do have a brain for heavens sake.

I had no problems on both my Prius test drives. Braking with the left foot can reduce reaction time a bit, and can be the difference between "tapping" the car ahead and not hitting it in an emergency stop. You do have to train yourself to use the "dead pedal" (whether you have one or not) to rest the left foot, of course.

Years of driving manuals trained me. You don't ride the clutch when driving a manual do you?

Allannde · 10-25-2006, 12:44 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Oct 25 2006, 07:15 AM) [snapback]338033[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I drive that way. Brake with the left foot when driving autos. I don't press both pedals at the same time. I do have a brain for heavens sake.

I had no problems on both my Prius test drives. Braking with the left foot can reduce reaction time a bit, and can be the difference between "tapping" the car ahead and not hitting it in an emergency stop. You do have to train yourself to use the "dead pedal" (whether you have one or not) to rest the left foot, of course.

Years of driving manuals trained me. You don't ride the clutch when driving a manual do you?
[/b]

I drive that way, also. I second everything you say!

I am aware of two collisions that I DIDN'T have as a result. There may have been more. I am able to "get on" the brakes very quickly which is comforting.

hyo silver · 10-25-2006, 01:42 PM

I used to keep my heel on the gas, my toe on the brake, my left foot on the clutch, my left hand on the wheel, my right hand on the shifter, one eye on the road, and one eye on the rear view mirror looking for pretty lights. Maybe I'm just showing my age, but this fly by wire stuff is much easier to drive.

VinceDee · 10-25-2006, 01:54 PM

I also drive with two feet, and my perfect driving record speaks for itself. I trained myself to drive that way deliberately. I find that it's much safer because I can brake instantly, if necessary. And I have no idea why you would assume that it means "two footers" ride the brakes. I sure don't, and I use the deadpedal to rest my foot when not in heavy traffic situations. I've seen plenty of "one footers" who ride the brakes...that's just plain old bad driving and has nothing to do with how many feet you use to drive with.

Go ahead and try it some time. It feels odd at first, but you get used to it. The most important thing is that you will discover that you have instant use of the brake.

Vince

Proco · 10-25-2006, 01:57 PM

Just curious ... how is moving your left foot from the dead pedal to the brake faster than moving your right from the gas to the brake? I've never done 2-footed driving, so I have no opinion on which is "better".

10-25-2006, 11:11 AM	#3
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,437 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 16	You have to understand that the Prius is entirely "drive-by-wire" meaning that the steering wheel and pedals are not mechanically connected to anything. Rather, you turn or push the device and the computer decides what the best course for action is at that time. Therefore, there are some things that the computer will not allow you to do. One of these is to press on the brake and the gas at the same time. That's just silly and the Prius knows it. Someone mentioned it a while back so I took Priapus to a nearby parking lot and tested it. So what I'm saying is that if the two-footed driver is accustomed to having both at least somewhat pressed at the same time - for whatever reason - the car will shut off the gas and apply only the brake. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness >>Current Mileage<< Spreading information and passing gas in the Greater Chicagoland area Click this hyperlink PLEASE. It's not a trick; it's a competition. http://www.facebook.com/login.php?ap...code=pass,2357

10-25-2006, 12:15 PM	#6
David Beale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,556 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I drive that way. Brake with the left foot when driving autos. I don't press both pedals at the same time. I do have a brain for heavens sake. I had no problems on both my Prius test drives. Braking with the left foot can reduce reaction time a bit, and can be the difference between "tapping" the car ahead and not hitting it in an emergency stop. You do have to train yourself to use the "dead pedal" (whether you have one or not) to rest the left foot, of course. Years of driving manuals trained me. You don't ride the clutch when driving a manual do you? __________________ Edmonton Alberta "Pearl" is a 2007 Driftwood Pearl Prius.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Prius computer capabilities	lenjack	Prius Technical Discussion	4	01-02-2007 11:42 PM
Buy The Prius Computer!	Prianista	Prius Main Forum	5	07-07-2006 07:51 PM
Prius Computer on Backorder!	augustson	Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	4	06-24-2006 11:14 AM
Prius Computer OS?	LarryRacies	Prius Main Forum	6	03-30-2006 11:54 PM
Can Prius Computer be Adjusted?	rgrafstein	Prius Main Forum	14	03-01-2006 05:06 PM

10-25-2006, 10:33 AM	#1
FarmGeek Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 15 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	My wife and I were driving to work discussing her recent lunch with her brother who wanted a ride in our Prius. She had him drive as that is the best way to experience the Prius. Based on his comments since, I bet he buys one. Anyway, the discussion turned to other drivers in our families and we started wondering what would happen if one of the two footed drivers (one foot on the gas, the other on the brake) drove of Prius. What does the computer do when you're braking and accellerating at the same time? Wondering of if any one else has contemplated this?

10-25-2006, 10:37 AM	#2
Tadashi Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Hood, TX Posts: 794 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	My wife's grandfather does that. :P I think the only thing that would happen would be a lower MPG. The brakes would not wear out as fast as if this was done in a non-Prius. That and your brake lights would alway be on.

10-25-2006, 11:28 AM	#4
narf Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 525 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Left foot braking is a good thing on the track, but really not a good idea on the street. Most people who left foot brake will end up lightly resting their foot on the brake pedal when they are driving and slightly drag the brake. I think that even on the Prius you will end up wasting energy by doing this. The other problem with this is the constantly glowing brake lights. Whoever is behind the driver will never know when they are stopping because the brake lights are alway on or always flashing on and off.

10-25-2006, 01:42 PM	#8
hyo silver awaaay Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 7,428 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Base Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 32	I used to keep my heel on the gas, my toe on the brake, my left foot on the clutch, my left hand on the wheel, my right hand on the shifter, one eye on the road, and one eye on the rear view mirror looking for pretty lights. Maybe I'm just showing my age, but this fly by wire stuff is much easier to drive.

10-25-2006, 01:54 PM	#9
VinceDee Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 198 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I also drive with two feet, and my perfect driving record speaks for itself. I trained myself to drive that way deliberately. I find that it's much safer because I can brake instantly, if necessary. And I have no idea why you would assume that it means "two footers" ride the brakes. I sure don't, and I use the deadpedal to rest my foot when not in heavy traffic situations. I've seen plenty of "one footers" who ride the brakes...that's just plain old bad driving and has nothing to do with how many feet you use to drive with. Go ahead and try it some time. It feels odd at first, but you get used to it. The most important thing is that you will discover that you have instant use of the brake. Vince

10-25-2006, 01:57 PM	#10
Proco Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Beautiful NJ Shore Posts: 1,947 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 6	Just curious ... how is moving your left foot from the dead pedal to the brake faster than moving your right from the gas to the brake? I've never done 2-footed driving, so I have no opinion on which is "better".