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Abstract

Two observational studies were conducted to examine driver foot pedal operation characteristics which may influence pedal activation errors. Driver behaviors were observed during controlled closed-course and natural driving situations to document individual pedal operating characteristics. A substantial portion of the drivers in both studies shifted from park to forward and/or reverse gears without positioning a foot over or on the brake pedal. A small percentage of drivers used both feet for pedal activation. The results of these studies suggest that pedal design and layout should take these behaviors into consideration. Either method would likely be less accurate and potentially more hazardous than when the right foot is directly over the brake pedal, and suggests the efficacy of a mechanical interlock to prevent gear selection from park to either forward or reverse gears until contact with the brake pedal is made.

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Initial Driver Foot Placement as an Antecedent to Pedal Error

Abstract

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