Why More Drivers Should Brake With Their Left Foot!

[laundry_queen]

99. Agree.

I once had a close call - I was in an industrial area - an area that you just don't expect kids to be in. There was a truck parked on the side of the road with an attached (industrial type) trailer. Now, when I took driver training my instructor was absolutely rigid about me ALWAYS checking under the cars parked on the side of the road for little feet, in case a kid runs out from between a parked car. So I checked. No feet. I thought it was all clear.

Suddenly, a small child no older than 5, jumped out from between the truck and trailer right in front of my car. I jumped on the brake with both feet and pushed that pedal to the floor. Thank god for ABS as there was gravel on the road. I stopped about a foot away from the kid who was frozen like a deer in headlights. I stopped and asked the kid where his parents were (And saw several siblings playing on the hitch between the truck and trailer) and the kid ignored me, but a sibling yelled out that they were in a building down the street. Apparently the parents left the kids in the truck, and they got bored and decided to leave the truck to play on the trailer hitch (hence why I didn't see any feet!). I was 8 months pregnant at the time and was certain I was going to go into labor that night. Geez.

Anyway, the point is that when it comes down to it, I know I will use both my feet to hit the brake. I generally brake with my right. I effing HATE people who ride their brakes with their left foot, drives me insane. Not to mention brake wear and tear. I know now that in a braking emergency, both my feet are at the ready. And no risk of accidentally pressing on the gas...because I'm used to using my right for the brake. So, yeah, using your left foot to brake seems dumb to me too. Far more drawbacks than positives, IMO.