Preliminary Investigation of Movement Time Between Brake and Accelerator Pedals in Automobiles

Abstract

This report represents the results of a preliminary study to determine if there is a valid cause to question the positional relationship of brake and accelerator pedals in contemporary automobiles. Ten subjects were tested to determine how long it takes to move the foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal (a) in the same horizontal plane, and (b) with a 6-in. height differential. Experimental results indicated that at high speeds, a reduction in stopping distance of upwards of 14 ft. could be affected for the case tested.