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A.3  THE RIGHT FOOT POSITION

A very obscure fault in drivers is the incorrect position of the right foot over the accelerator and brake pedals. It may seem an insignificant issue, but the wrong placement the right foot can play a vital role in an emergency.

The correct position over the brake. The heel rests on the floor, so the right foot covers the brake pedal. When pressing the brake, apply pressure in the centre of the brake pedal with the ball of your foot.	Correct position over accelerator. To reach the accelerator, leave the heel on the floor and swivel the foot to the right. This places the right foot into a 45 - 60 degree angle.
Using the toes to press the brake does not achieve the same level of control. In wet weather, shoes are wet and may slip off the pedal. Always wear footwear for driving. Avoid slip-ons without heel strap. Never drive barefoot.

If done correctly, novice drivers are less likely to get the two pedals mixed up, which happens all too often. Elderly, confused drivers are prone to doing this, often with disastrous consequences. After a short time of this practice, the brain naturally expects accelerator power when the foot is at an angle and braking power, when in a north-south position.

When approaching a hazard (any thing that might develop into an emergency), swivel the right foot from the accelerator and hold it over to the brake. This technique is called ‘covering the brake’.

It not only reduces speed, because the foot is off the accelerator, but cuts down the time it would take to bring the foot across to the brake in an emergency. If only a saving of 1/4 of a second of total stopping time is achieved, it reduces total stopping distance by 4.16 meters, the length of a car (at 60 km/h). Even a fraction of this may be the difference between crashing and avoiding impact. (See Chapter 33).

Experienced drivers cover the brake frequently and naturally. Learner drivers should be taught this basic skill right from the beginning.