<P> Power steering helps drivers steer by augmenting the driver's steering effort . Power steering has used hydraulics to reduce a driver's steering effort . However, hydraulic steering is being replaced by electric power steering, because it eliminates the hydraulic pump, and increases fuel efficiency . </P> <P> In modern cars the four - wheel braking system is controlled by a pedal to the left of the accelerator pedal . There is usually also a parking brake which operates the rear brakes only . On manual cars this is a lever between the front seats, but can be a pedal on some automatic transmission vehicles . In rallying the handbrake lever is long and vertical, extending to near the steering wheel, to facilitate handbrake turns . </P> <P> The throttle, which controls fuel and air supply to the engine and is also known as the "accelerator" or "gas pedal", is normally the right-most floor pedal . It has a fail - safe design--a spring, which returns it to the idle position when not depressed by the driver . Normally the throttle and brake are operated by the right foot, while the clutch is operated by the left foot . In the US, drivers mistake the accelerator for the brake, leading to sudden unintended acceleration, cause 16,000 accidents per year . However, there are drivers who practice left - foot braking . </P> <P> Early cars had a hand lever to control the throttle, either directly, or by controlling an engine speed governor which in turn controlled both the throttle and timing . In 1900 the Wilson - Pilcher car was introduced in Britain which had a hand controlled speed governor, and a foot throttle which could override the action of the governor . Unlike modern throttle pedals this could be raised to accelerate the car or depressed to slow it, "and thus quick accelerations or retardations can be effected" without interefering with the governed speed set using the hand control . The combination of governed engine speed with foot throttle override is in many ways similar to a modern cruise control . In spite of this development, steering column mounted hand throttles remained common, especially in mass produced cars such as the Ford Model T. Later cars used both a foot pedal and a hand lever to set the minimum throttle . The 1918 Stutz Bearcat had a central throttle pedal with the clutch and brake to the right and left . Modern cruise control was invented in 1948 . </P>

Where is the accelerator in a european car