<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 such as the Ford Model T had a hand lever to control the throttle . Later cars used both a foot pedal and a hand lever to set the minimum throttle . This was an early form of cruise control . 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> <P> Vehicles that generate power with an internal combustion engine (ICE) are generally equipped with a transmission or gearbox to change the speed - torque ratio and the direction of travel . This does not usually apply to electric vehicles because their motors can drive the vehicle both forward and backward from zero speed . In some four - wheel drive vehicles there is a gear lever that engages a low - ratio gearbox . Other levers may switch between two - and four - wheel drive and differential locks . </P> <P> Some cars have a freewheel that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft . This happens when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft . For example, Saab used a freewheel system in the Saab 96 V4 and early Saab 99 for better fuel efficiency . It was also used in Saab's two - stroke models at the cost of engine braking . Some cars, such as the Rover P4, include a manual switch to engage or disengage the freewheel . </P>

Where is the clutch pedal located in a car