Why do you need to switch between Reverse and Drive when driving? Why not add another pedal that makes the car go backwards instead?

Question

Why do you need to switch between Reverse and Drive when driving? Why not add another pedal that makes the car go backwards instead?

In: 0

Answer 1

I think it’s because that simply wouldn’t work. The gearbox delivers the engine power to the wheels and if the gears are in the forward position you need to change it to the reverse position or else you would just move forward if you applied power.