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How do I avoid confusing the gas and brake pedals?
I’m generally a good driver, but there are certain situations when I can’t seem to keep the gas and brake pedals straight. What can I do so I don’t hit one when I mean to hit the other?
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
There’s a lot that goes into driving a car and it’s easy to confuse the gas and brake pedal, so it’s important to
minimize distractions
as much as possible—especially when you find yourself in tight situations, like parking or in heavy traffic. In addition to minimizing distractions, here are a few other things that help you keep from pressing the wrong pedal:- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle: Before you even start the engine, adjust the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel to a comfortable position for you.
- Avoid shifting your driving position: If you find yourself needing to reach for an object or otherwise move from a safe driving position, do yourself, and other drivers, a favor and pull over.
- Wear sensible shoes: If you plan to wear heavy boots, high heels, or any other footwear that might make it difficult to use the pedals, bring an extra pair of lightweight shoes with flat soles to slip into while you’re in the driver’s seat.
The NHTSA estimates that pedal errors account for about 16,000 collisions each year. In addition to taking your own precautions, let
Jerry
find you the best rate on full-coverage insurance
to pay for damages if you’re in an accident. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and you’ll have cheap quotes in less than a minute.MORE: The top 5 causes of car accidents
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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