Any "Left Foot" Brakers Out There?

[Big Panda]

since i haven't taken delivery of my smart yet and have only 2 'test drives', i'm wondering if i'll have to change my driving habits.

when driving 'automatics', i've ALWAYS used my LEFT Foot to brake. the position and size of it's brake pedal in the smart really makes this kind of difficult, especially with my size 13 shoes!

anyone else out there normally brake with their LEFT Foot?

[cooknkeeper]

I haven't had any problems using my left foot to brake! I've been doing that for years! I did notice that the "creep" feature will engage the clutch if I let off of the brake at a stop sign! So I had to re-learn not to do that! Otherwise, multi-task away! If NASCAR can use both feet..... why not!! Less reaction time for me if someone should stumble over themselves gawking at my smartie!

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by MENSA42

since i haven't taken delivery of my smart yet and have only 2 'test drives', i'm wondering if i'll have to change my driving habits.

when driving 'automatics', i've ALWAYS used my LEFT Foot to brake. the position and size of it's brake pedal in the smart really makes this kind of difficult, especially with my size 13 shoes!

anyone else out there normally brake with their LEFT Foot?

I can't brake with my left foot. But I'm really good at heel & toe!

Your pal,
Meat.

[burtandnancy]

I can't brake well with my right, been left foot braking since my first automatic in the '50's. Don't have size thirteens, though...

[jwight]

A no vote from a Canadian performance driving school: Sidorov Precision Driver Training :: Left Foot Braking-yes or no?

[NCC1701]

Thank you jwight, for the link. I avoid following left brakers because their brake lights make me nervous and nuts.

[burtandnancy]

NCC. the only reason you see my brake lites go on is I'm kicking off my cruise control. But I do agree with you, some people go down the freeways with no traffic in front of them and they keep hitting the brakes. If their tail lites come on and there is no one in front of them, then my high beams come on too...

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Thank you jwight, for the link. I avoid following left brakers because their brake lights make me nervous and nuts.

you would never know i'm a lefty as you'll NEVER see my brake lights come on because i don't rest my foot on the brake! just simply have it 'ready' and in 'position'. i just find it uncomfortable to have my left foot so close to my right.

i think with the smart, i may have to re-program myself to brake as if it were a manual......guess when i 'lift' my right foot when shifting, i'll just press my left foot to the floor as if there were a clutch pedal 'for old times sake'!

OR i could do as 'mmmmeat' does and 'heel and toe' it! THAT sounds like fun...........

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by burtandnancy

NCC. the only reason you see my brake lites go on is I'm kicking off my cruise control.

There is a cancel button on your cruise control.

Originally Posted by MENSA42

you would never know i'm a lefty as you'll NEVER see my brake lights come on because i don't rest my foot on the brake! just simply have it 'ready' and in 'position'. i just find it uncomfortable to have my left foot so close to my right.
<snip>
OR i could do as 'mmmmeat' does and 'heel and toe' it! THAT sounds like fun...........

I would find it tiring to keep my left foot poised to brake constantly. I rest it comfortably on the floorboard to the left of the brake. Actually, I've formed a habit of resting my knee against the door too ... and that's likely not a safe position in the event of a side impact. Habits can be hard to break. Heel and toe is effective and quick.
I work with a guy who is notorious about 'riding the brake', and since we come to work at the same time I see him in traffic often. I've mentioned it to him and he denies he does it.

[Suze]

Left Foot breaking? Holey-Schmoley! In who's world is this appropriate? I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but if you are left foot breaking in front of me, I WILL notice and I won't be happy.

Don't ya know your right foot was born to multi-task? Two big feet don't belong where one can do the job.


But, I like to think I'm a tolerant individual, so to each his/her own. Just stay behind me, please.