Date:         Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:47:53 -0700
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: teenagers and vanagons
Comments: To: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <c803c1a70610110916q1a2fe925n1e57e0dd6ce429fa@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

RE:
On 10/11/06, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I have always been of the thought that everyone should learn to drive in a
> stick shift.



I (and virtually every driving instructor or safety officer I've ever talked
to on the subject) disagree.  Learning to be a safe driver, both vehicle
operation plus all the other things a new driver must learn to do to be
safe, is complicated enough.  Don't push the stress for the student with
learning the fine muscle control of the clutch/gas combination at the same
time.  For a competent driver learning to use the clutch and gear shift is a
simple 20 minute lesson and a half an hour of driving.  But it just
complicates things (and in some cases discourages) a new driver.  It is hard
enough to teach a new driver the all important 'situational awareness' that
is so important to safe driving, don't complicate it any more than needed.