Optimization of vehicle accelerator-brake pedal foot travel time.

This study was directed towards reducing the lag time between stimulus and incidence of braking. The effect of the relative vertical heights of the brake and accelerator pedals on foot travel time was the subject of the first part of the investigation. In the second part, two new pedal designs in which the accelerator was mounted directly on the brake pedal were evaluated. A significant reduction in foot travel time of approximately 12.5% was realised by locating the accelerator pedal 25-50 mm (1-2 in) higher than the brake pedal. Mounting of the accelerator pedal adjacent to or directly on the brake pedal allowed reductions in braking lag time of 46% to 74%.