My second oldest granddaughter has recently obtained her driver’s permit. Her mother recently purchased a BMW, which is what she will learn to drive in. Today’s cars are much easier to learn on than those from half a century ago. They have so many whistles and bells; they are easier to maneuver and they can stop on a dime – an important feature in heavy traffic. They are extremely efficient and get better gas mileage and most importantly, they are relatively safer.
Automatic transmissions were just becoming popular when I was learning to drive; however, my parents still had the manual style with the gear shift on the steering column. Kids these days do not have to worry about learning the art of driving with a clutch. When my daughters were learning to drive, I impressed upon them the importance of knowing how to drive cars with a clutch, in spite of the fact that their first cars were all automatic.
After I had learned to drive in my parent’s car, which was challenging for me because the seat did not move up far enough for my short legs, I bought a Volkswagen Beetle with the gear shift on the floor. I drove cars with manual transmissions for nearly my entire life until I bought my first pickup truck about thirteen years ago. The biggest advantage to driving an automatic transmission that I can see, is that when you are stuck in traffic, you do not have to hold the clutch in endlessly.
I am looking after my daughter’s car until she returns from active duty in the military. Her daughter (my granddaughter) was amused because I could not find the release for opening the trunk. (She is only twelve.) The computer in the console of the car shows me a picture of what is behind me whenever I am backing up. I like this feature since I cannot see out of her car as well as I can see out of my pickup and I don’t need to worry about running over another human or a dog or a cat. Regardless of how much they improve the automobile, I will always trust my own two feet the most, for taking me where I want to be.
