New Driver- Using a Left Foot Accelerator

General Discussion
21

Looks like Jayhawkroy nailed it. Looks like just the thing if the OP ever comes back.

With an automatic I use my left foot for the brake and right for accelerator. With a manual, I use my left foot for the clutch and my right for the brake and accelerator. Been doing it that way since I was 13 and have never gotten confused yet. My driver training instructor wanted me to use my right foot for the brake during training and for the drivers test, then said I could do what I wanted after that. Seems to me he used his left foot to slam on the brakes when the girl in our car just about hit a truck. She married the mayor then later divorced. Don’t know if her driving had anything to do with it or not.

22

What about using the cruise control buttons? I don’t think it is particularly safe but it should work. You wouldn’t want to do it where the water is deep enough to hydroplane.

23

i don’t think CC works below 30mph

24

keith, I knew some SA would come up with what you said, but I don’t have a problem with brakes, or accidents. I have been driving my way since Powerglide came out in 1950. I don’t remember when I last had an accident. I know lots of people who drive that way. Did you ever see a car with a double size brake pedal thet you could use either foot on?
We haven’t heard if the op has the strength to use the right leg for the accelerater.

Using Cruise Control would be absolutely stupid. Even if one did, they would have to use the left foot for the brake, (right leg too week).

25

Hello, @brighteye6879: I quickly skimmed the discussion and perhaps some of these were already posted. My colleagues have passed on this list of resources recommended by Car Talk for guidance, driver training specialists, and assistive/adaptive equipment local installers and equipment maintenance. Best of luck to you.

(1) The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association [NMEDA]

http://www.nmeda.com/

NMEDA is a trade organization for manufacturers and vendors of adaptive devices. Members must adhere to NHTSA safety standards and follow specific guidelines and regulations for equipment installation. This is a good source for technical information about equipment and vehicle adaptation.

http://www.nmeda.com/contact-us/

Toll Free Phone: (866) 948-8341

Phone: (813) 264-2697

Fax Number

(813) 962-8970

Address

NMEDA

3327 West Bearss Avenue

Tampa, Florida 33618

http://www.nmeda.com/locate-a-dealer/

(2) The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists [ADED]

http://www.driver-ed.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

200 First Avenue NW, Suite 505, Hickory NC 28601

Phone: 866.672.9466 · Fax: 828.855.1672

Email: mailto://info@driver-ed.orginfo@driver-ed.org

Member Directory

http://www.driver-ed.org/custom/directory/?pageid=209&showTitle=1

To find a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist,
and Mobility Equipment Dealer Member.

ADED Links

http://www.driver-ed.org/i4a/links/?pageid=204&showTitle=1#Resource%20Sites

(3) AAA’s “The Disabled Drivers’ Mobility Guide” is published bi-yearly and is available for a fee from your local AAA Club.

State listings of manufacturers, travel agencies and various companies that provide services for the disabled.

Includes information about adaptive equipment, vehicle modifications, driver training and related services, with contact information for organizations, public agencies, AAA clubs and suppliers.

(Visit www.aaa.com for local contact information.)

(4) NHTSA Adapting Motor Vehicles for People With Disabilities

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html

A free online brochure, from NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(5) http://www.abledata.comABLE-DATA

http://www.abledata.com

A large database for locating assistive devices, funded by the U.S. Department of Education for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Three-fifths of the staff of ABLE-DATA are disabled.

Under Products, click on Transportation for Vehicle Accessories to find: Driving Controls.

(6) American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]

http://myaota.aota.org/driver_search/index.aspx/index.aspx

Finding a driving rehabilitation specialist or program.

(7) ADA Auto Club

http://adaautoclub.com

Offers nationwide roadside assistance to disabled drivers and anyone who transports a disabled passenger.

Their motto is: “We will never leave you stranded.”

Roadside Assistance Solutions for People With Disabilities

http://www.nmeda.com/safety-tips/tips-on-finding-roadside-assistance-to-fit-your-needs/
ADA is endorsed by NMEDA.

(8) When traveling:

Left Foot Accelerator

http://www.plfa.org/

Accelerator pedal for persons with limited or no use of the right leg requiring them to drive with their left leg.

Included in AbleData’s Products Transportation link.

MPED Disabled Driving Aids

http://www.imedmobility.com/driving-aids/mpd-driving-aids.php

Selection of left foot accelerators. Some can be used with hand controls.

http://www.wheelability.com/PHC-3 Portable Vehicle Hand Controls For Disabled Drivers
http://www.wheelability.com/index.html

Easy to install for automatic transmissions and fits into carry-on luggage or briefcase.

Portable Vehicle Hand Controls

http://peddlemaster.com/

Designed and developed by Rick Judson who has Multiple Sclerosis to be more lightweight, versatile, and inexpensive. No tools are necessary. Fits into your suitcase or carry-on. Can be used in rental cars. Approved by SAE (Society of Automobile Engineers).

26

bump