DEAR ABBY: I am deeply disturbed by the recent horrific accident in Santa Monica, Calif., where an elderly man hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and killed many people in an outdoor farmers' market. I have witnessed several similar accidents.
Recently I saw a middle-aged woman drive into a car wash and hit the gas instead of the brake. Fortunately, the attendant was able to jump out of the way or he would have been crushed between two cars. Another gentleman (not elderly) rolled his new car because of the same problem.
I am only 42 and have also stepped on the wrong pedal a few times, but so far have been lucky and not caused any damage.
Abby, please print my letter so that car manufacturers will ask their designers to move the gas pedal farther away from the brakes. -- WANTING TO HELP IN WHEELING
DEAR WANTING TO HELP: I'm printing your letter because it is thought-provoking. Other readers have also written to me making the same point. It appears possible that the design does need to be improved. Perhaps your letter will start the process and another tragedy will be averted.