In an automobile, the dead pedal, often also called a footrest, is typically a non-moving piece of rubber or metal that the driver is supposed to rest their foot on when driving.
[1] Automatic transmission cars can also benefit from the dead pedal because it prevents fatigue by offering a stable inclined surface on which the driver can place their foot.
The dead pedal became more important with time as stronger and faster cars were developed because the left foot must push against the floor to brace the driver's body.
The dead pedal allows for the racer or driver to keep the left foot on the same plane as the clutch, thus making the transition between them smoother and faster.
It is not recommended to brake with the left foot because it is less confusing when switching between automatic and manual transmission cars.
The use of the dead pedal is particularly prevalent in right-hand drive markets where the door's bulkhead cannot be used to rest the left foot, for example in the Renault Mégane.
This area may also include other features not associated with direct operation of the vehicle, for instance, a foot button for control of the lights or radio.