Two-footed driver vs. Prius computer

My wife's grandfather does that. 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.

 

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.

 

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

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

 

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?

 

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

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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".

 

It's interesting how many ex or current racers have been attracted to the Prius. I've been a left footed braker ever since my short stint in Nascar. It doesn't transfer over to AMA racing, or maybe it does?

ss

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Proco @ Oct 25 2006, 10:57 AM) [snapback]338089[/snapback]</div>

I only have my left foot resting on the dead pedal when there is no traffic in front of me or other potential braking situations. Otherwise, I keep my left foot poised over the brake pedal, much as you would with your right foot in a potential braking situation.

Vince

 

If any of you who don't use two feet decide to try, be careful at first. It's very easy to "overbrake". You have to train your left foot to "be gentle". Overbraking will not cause serious problems, except for your significant other in the car. They will be furious with you for scaring them!

I usually rest my left heal on the floor and hover over the pedal when in traffic. Like last week, centre lane of three, light turns green, lady in front of me takes off and half way through the intersection decides she needs to be in the right lane (who knows why - no turns were possible) and stops! I actually triggered the anti-lock on dry road on the anti-Prius! First time. Stopped 10" from her bumper. Guy behind me luckly didn't take off as fast as we did, but was mad until he saw it was her. A little head shaking and everyone went on our way. I thought it was my own fault for "following too close", but I wasn't yet "following", just getting going.

Anyway, got to always watch out for the "nuts on the road", including the one behind your own wheel.

 

I started left-braking because it eased some hip issues I was having with the left-leg doing nothing for an hour on so on a drive. Then, when I started driving the Prius, it was a fairly easy transition when you have the left-foot trained for appropriate control and gentleness during braking, especially on the Prius. Sure helps on braking reaction because the brake pedal is always "covered" during stop-n-go and such.

Then again, I started writing with my left hand because it had nothing to do too, left-hand mousing because shoulder would otherwise complain, etc...

FarmGeek: you could press the gas pedal all the way in when you have the brake pressed. Then the engine will rev and do nothing more than charge the battery.

 

Hi folks!
My first post here, so forgive me for any transgressions.
Regarding two footed driving. Way back when I was transporting cars fpr a living, I learned that driving with two feet made parking easier as well as reducing my response time while driving. I dont rest my left foot on the brake pedal and I well aware of the additional wear and tear, not to mention negative effect that would have on my mileage. By the way, i've owned my Prius for a little over 4 months now and absolutely love it. I have an old Porsche 911sc targa in the garage and sold my BMW X5 4.4 to buy the prius.
Incidentally, if you hold the brake down and floor the gas pedal, it can help you accellerate much quicker, but obviously takes its toll mechanically as well as in fuel efficiency.
thanks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Oct 25 2006, 01:42 PM) [snapback]338079[/snapback]</div>

I kept both toes on the brakes all the time, but that was with an airplane. I've also kept both feet on the brakes with old farm tractors.

Tom

 

I learned to drive on a manual the same time I learned to drive an automatic, and since you need the left foot for the clutch, well you sorta have to use the right foot on the brake.
I tried two footed driving a while back with a different car and never felt comfortable with it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Oct 25 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]338079[/snapback]</div>

I keep my shoulder to the wheel, my back to the wall, my nose to the grindstone and my ear to the ground. I'm starting to feel stiff all over though......

 

I drive only stick shift cars, then my prius. Of late, I have been driving my prius a lot more, and the manuals less. There was a period of time when I used both feet, but I found that I couldnt commit to anything while driving so many different cars. Frankly, i am not worried about my reflexes, and I try not to put myself into situations where I need to brake EXTREMELY quickly...