The Gator Throttle Hand Controls, developed by Chris Steidinger of Rupiper Equipment Company (Lacon, IL), utilize a thumb-activated lever-and-cable assembly to operate the throttle on Gator utility vehicles. The thumb-controlled throttle is mounted to the hand brake so the operator's hand can be on the brake and throttle at the same time for quick reaction. An independent cable runs directly from the thumb throttle to the carburetor, so the foot throttle is not affected.