A method of operating a hybrid vehicle includes disengaging, i.e., turning off, an internal combustion engine when a brake pedal is disposed in a released position, i.e., non-depressed position, an accelerator pedal is disposed in a released position, i.e., non-depressed position, and a forward path of the hybrid vehicle is blocked, thereby conserving fuel. The method includes engaging, i.e., starting, the internal combustion engine when the brake pedal is disposed in the released position, the accelerator pedal is disposed in the released position, and the forward path of the hybrid vehicle is clear, thereby allowing for a quick launch of the vehicle.