My wife e-mailed this to me, she doesn't remember the source. What do you think?

Volvo tries out 'stop-go' pedal to cut car deaths
By Robert Uhlig, Technology Correspondent
(Filed: 10/01/2002)


A SINGLE pedal that works as an accelerator and a brake is being tested by Volvo after scientists found it would save lives if car manufacturers adopted the design.

Developed by Sven Gustafsson, a Swedish inventor, the pedal reduces the stopping distance of a car travelling at 56 mph by more than 16 ft. It could lead to manual cars with two pedals and automatic cars with one.

The combined pedal works by using two distinct motions for accelerating and braking. To accelerate the pedal is pivoted, while to brake drivers push the entire pedal mechanism forwards. "You can go from acceleration to braking instantly, by pressing the combined pedal forwards," the inventor said. "As soon as you brake the accelerator is switched to idle."

It makes accelerating an ankle movement, while braking comes from extending the whole leg, New Scientist reported. Officials at the Swedish National Road Administration have done extensive road tests and approved the device for use.

Rickard Nilsson at Uppsala University, who tested Gustafsson's pedal for the SNRA, found that it took at least 0.2 seconds for drivers to move their foot from one pedal to another, increasing the time it takes for the car to stop. Another problem with separate pedals is that it is easy to press the wrong one, causing a crash.

In addition to improving reaction times, Mr Nilsson believes that the combined pedal could also make cruise control safer because it allows drivers to react to emergencies more quickly. Volvo is testing the pedal in cars, buses and lorries, but a mass-produced version will not be available to motorists for at least three years.


posted by 12.26....

• Volvo tests single gas/brake pedal, Dave Westlake, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 10:04:45 <-- Viewing This Message
  • I wouldn't want it I know that, ryan , Mon, 14 Jan 2002 18:23:37
  • Re: Volvo tests single gas/brake pedal, Gary, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 14:33:57
  • "Developed by " ... YEAH RIGHT! And we all remember .., Karl.no, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 13:19:36
    • Re: "Developed by " ... YEAH RIGHT! And we all remember .., Jonas, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 19:30:40
      • OK. The press lied. Volvo was ri ..., Karl.no, Sat, 12 Jan 2002 05:59:44
  • Re: Volvo tests single gas/brake pedal, Joakim, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 11:28:27
  • Can we say 'Unintended Acceleration'??? nm, JMC, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 11:11:44
    • I think there will be the opposite problem, Dave Westlake, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 11:15:30
      • The whole new field of 'Unintended Deceleration'! nm, JMC, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 11:18:51
  • Like we don't have enough idiot drivers out there.., Mike 87 900s, Fri, 11 Jan 2002 10:54:17

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