Trucking: Power Steering functions.

Question

Power steering   QUESTION: Dear Andy

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering

Is it also possible to integrate the Brake, Accelerator Functions available to the Driver available on the Steering wheel to the Driver through re-engineering process ?.

If it is possible, then do you feel this could be advantageous to the current acceleration, braking mechanism available to the driver near the feet ?.

Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar

ANSWER: My forte' is not vehicle design but I will give you my opinion.

Advantageous depends on the likes/ dislikes of the user.

Practical ?   The typical cruise control settings on most cars already includes steering wheel mounted controls.  One of the command buttons is useable to increase the speed of the vehicle.   There currently is no " brake pedal " setting on any vehicle that I am aware of.  I don't see such finger operated controls as an advantage or desire able unless the driver has a leg issue and needs hand controls.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Andy

Thank you.

If it is possible to design Brake, Accelerator Functions within steering vehicle, it will be also applicable to implement Brake, Accelerator Functions for Power Steering in Heavy vehicles viz Bus, Truck, Tempos, Lorries etc apart from Medium Class vehicles Cars, Jeeps, Tractors etc ?.


Awaiting your reply,

Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar

Answer
Certainly it is possible.   Those type of controls are usually only found on handicap vehicles in which the operator cannot use their feet and must rely on hand controls.   In the US, a commercial driver would not be able to get a CDL license which they could not use their feet.   

 Anything can be remotely controlled from anywhere so the only limit is your imagination.

Sorry , I didn't see this question sooner.  

Andy