On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:56:09 -0700, Lewis Hartswick
wrote:

Bill Noble wrote:
let's try this again R E A L S L O W L Y for those who weren't or
didn't want to listen - there is NO ignition switch that acts like you
say on this car,

It's (almost) impossible for me to believe that there are both
engineers and government agencies that would permit such a thing
to exist. How is it possible??????

Some (politician-type) body in charge of the DOT Oversight Committee
probably got greased with a big political contribution (or a "Friends
of Angelo" style deal on a new Lexus) and the rules in the FMVSS were
magically modified to allow it - or they just interpreeted the
existing rules do not apply to the "Start Button" system.

I still have nightmares from my wayward youth, hosteling a dozen
different cars between home and work and friends and neighbors. All
of them with radically different controls placements - Other than the
gas and brakes and sterering wheel, you could not react by reflex,
because inevitabgly you werern't grabbing in the right place.

The headlight dimmer could be in a half dozen places - the new stalk
style, on the floor high and between the gas and brake, down low left
of the brakes, up high left of the brakes, high and waaaaay over to
the left by the sidewall of the motorhome that you had to hunt for...

A dozen different shifters, including Richard's Dodge Dart with the
Pushbutton Fluid Drive, my Corvair Powerglide with the paddle for
R-N-D-L (no park pawl, no Park!) the 67 Dodge 600 chassis Executive
motorhome with a different style cluster shifter, on the tree, on the
floor, six different stick patterns with reverse in odd directions,
one truck with "Three On the Tree", another with a Granny Box 4-speed
on the Tree...

And then there's the parking brakes, operation and location... And
the wiper switch... And the headlights...

It's nice nowadays to only have to grab through two or three spots
before you find the control you want.

Let us talk about the elimination of safety features, or the complexity
of a modern vehicle that makes it possible for such things to happen,
and quit calling the dead stupid for being unable to override the system
when there was no override available.

In that case the only "stupid" event that I can think of is
driving such a vehicle. Sorry but even a short contemplation
of doing so should cause one to break out in a cold sweat.

Much of this would be solved if they made the new vehicle owner read
the Owners Manual of their new car cover to cover /for comprehension/
- and you have to pass a written mixed Multiple Choice and Essay test,
and a Practical test on basic under-hood maintenance and daily
inspection, before they let you drive it off the lot.

One of the questions on that Lexus-specific test would be "How do
you stop the engine in an emergency?
A: Open the door and drag your feet on the ground
B: Start praying Hail Mary's at the top of your lungs
C: Call the dealer on your cellphone and ask them
D: Press and hold in the Start button for at least four seconds
E: All of the above

Modern automobiles are far too complex for the driver to be totally
and blissfully clueless about their proper operation. In the immortal
words of Dean Vernon Wormer, "Fat Drunk and Stupid is no way to go
through life, son!"

Even if you will call the Auto Club 99% of the time, there will be
that time they are swamped. All drivers should be know what a bad
tire looks like and how to change a flat. Where the jack and spare
are stowed, and check monthly that the spare has air in it...

Know how to do a Circle Of Safety check every time they get in the
car to drive. That alone would eliminate the "Father backs car out of
driveway, runs over child playing in driveway" tragedies.

Do a full daily walk-around check for tail-lights and tires and
leaks, and a full light function check once a week.

Be able to check the fluids under the hood once a week, and the air
in the all tires at least once a month. Know where your Fire
Extinguisher is mounted, how to use it, and how to check the gauge.

Have a stash of 12 road flares and know how to light and safely
place one (NOT in a puddle of gas!), basic hand tools, gloves and
goggles in the trunk.

-- Bruce --