Okay, I've read that, I'm still not convinced it's at all common. The thrust of the argument is that you get to the brake more slowly if you use the same foot for the brake and the accelerator. It's just the same as if you drive a manual.

The problem is drivers switching to automatics after a decades of driving a manual and not being taught the different methods of controlling the speed. It's not like 'run away' automatic cars are a common problem on our roads. So although I see your point, the problem is not that the car is an automatic, the problem is that people aren't taught how to drive them safely. So it goes back to my point that it's the panic that's the problem, not the layout of the pedals or which foot you habitually use. If we all drove automatics for most of our lives then switched to manuals in old age, we'd probably be having the same conversation in reverse.

Sorry if this is coming over as pedantic. I just couldn't work out why TECHNICALLY this sort of accident would happen in an automatic more than a manual when the pedals are in the same place. As it turns out, it's more to do with driver reaction to a new situation.

This post was last modified: 17-06-2015 05:24 PM by rshdunlop.