How to Distinguish Between the Brake and Accelerator in a Car?
2 Answers
Owners should always remember that the left pedal is the brake and the right one is the accelerator, forming a natural and firm concept in their minds. Owners should develop the habit of placing their heel directly below the brake pedal, so they can brake immediately in case of an emergency. Keep the heel positioned directly below the brake pedal, while the accelerator is to the right of the brake. Without moving the heel, the toes can pivot to the right to press the accelerator diagonally. When not accelerating, keep the foot on the brake pedal to be ready for braking at any time.
When I first started learning to drive, what I feared most was confusing the brake and accelerator pedals. My instructor told me their positions differ—in an automatic transmission car, the brake is on the left side (for the left foot), while the accelerator is on the right side (for the right foot). Simply put, pressing the accelerator makes the car go faster, like adding more force to surge forward, whereas pressing the brake gradually brings the car to a stop, almost like pulling an emergency switch. After practicing a few times, I memorized it: start by testing the pedal feel at low speeds in an open area to minimize risks. Mixing them up can be very dangerous, especially when driving at night—extra caution about pedal placement is crucial.