Accident at Hospital

[webmaster]

No, not me... But I narrowly missed being mown down by a runaway car on friday at the hospital, I came out seconds after the accident.

At the hospital there is a multistory car park, and the exit has 2 lanes, with a fairly sharp left hand bend after, to join the road the passes the hospital entrance. The right lane points directly at the structure of the carpark, the left lane points at a pavement.

Anyway, a car had pulled up at the barrier in the left lane, and for whatever reason (probably scrabbling about in the car for the ticket), nailed the throttle to the floor, rammed through the barrier, over the pavement, across a pedestrian crossing and punched a Meriva bonnet sized hole in the side of the hospital ! Quite impressive to gain that much momentum in about 25 feet.

 

[JVY]

Scary how easily these can happen & hope no one in the car was hurt.

I wonder if your theory about looking for change is correct? I have noticed a few carpark entrances/exits that look as though they have seen similar action. Will now be on the lookout for Kamikazee Merivas .

 

[webmaster]

All I can think is that they either slipped off the clutch pedal (although I would have thought it would have just stalled), or maybe it was an auto and they took their foot off the brake, put it back down but got the throttle instead. Apparently these sort of accidents are very common with auto's

Whilst queueing at the barrier I have seen people rummaging in the car before for their ticket, down into passenger footwell etc, probably not a good idea if you're holding it on the clutch !

 

[DaveHerns]

Was it an elderly driver ? From my days of doing Saga insurance claims they were always doing that and then blaiming the car

 

[JVY]

Was it an elderly driver ? From my days of doing Saga insurance claims they were always doing that and then blaiming the car

I'm trying to imagine the claim forms........ "The car suddenly went out of contol and accelerated into a wall"? "Suddenly, a lampost appeared in front of the car"?

I shouldn't laugh. I have only occasionally driven automatics. I'm usually OK for the first few miles. Then, I forget and stamp down on the brake pedal with my left foot (thinking I am dropping the clutch to change gear or stop) . Never managed to hammer the accelerator thinking it was the brake though (fingers crossed).

 

[harveyp6]

I shouldn't laugh. I have only occasionally driven automatics. I'm usually OK for the first few miles. Then, I forget and stamp down on the brake pedal with my left foot (thinking I am dropping the clutch to change gear or stop) .

Working on P6's day in, day out, I can honestly say..........that I did that, but only once! *%^! me, did that one screech to a halt!!!!

 

[The Rovering Member]

Some years ago now (after seeing some footage of a rally-drivers feet), I trained myself to drive the auto's with both feet. Throttle with the right & brake with the left. It does indeed take a little time for the left foot to acclimatise to the lighter pressure needed for the brakes, but it's a good habit to get into I feel. I have no problem switching between auto's & manuals, my feet just do what is required with either pedal layout. The only slight problem I've found is that the left foot can get a little tired from constantly hovering over the brake pedal, but it does provide for a noticeable improvement in emergency braking situations.
I don't do it in the new automatic lorries as both pedals are to the right of the steering column.

 

[John]

I only drive autos now, but many years ago I was taught to put my left foot behind my right when driving an auto after using a manual, that way if you try to use the left foot for the 'missing' clutch you kick yourself. Sounds odd, but it worked for me.


John.

 

[DaveHerns]

I used to drive automatic Fords in the 70's using both feet as there was no way of stopping the engine dying when it was cold
Couldn't do it now, I get confused and have to tuck my left foot out of the way

 

[rov71]

sometimes see motabilty cars at work with pedals moved can be fun to drive at times :shock:

 

[v8guy]

sometimes see motabilty cars at work with pedals moved can be fun to drive at times :shock:

And dangerous in the wrong hands...excuse the pun :roll:

Glad this didn't directly involve you Richard(webmaster)