When somebody is learning a new skill, he should be trained on how to use all of the tools required to to perform that skill with the utmost precision. Unfortunately, my next-door neighbor's 16 year-old daugher is not being given that opportunity.
The eager young woman is being taught to drive in her father's dented tan Camry. Driving a car such as this, she'll never have the opportunity to learn about vehicle control, steering feedback, or any of those other aspects of driving that are "sensed" rather than learned from a book. I fully expect to see more dents in their Camry, and I'd wager that she'll back at least one tire into the "ditch" across the road from their driveway when she learns to reverse out of the driveway.
My one hope is that she can read the Camry's alarm fob instructions, and teach her father how to not set off the alarm with the PANIC button. I'm totally over the sound of his false car alarm.
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7 comments:
"Never" may be a bit strong a prediction. I bet you didn't have the opportunity to learn to drive in a sleek euro ride. Maybe something like a Vanagon or a six cylinder 4-spped F-150, followed closely by a Honda Accord. So how, pray tell, did you ever achieve the hoghly polished skills and taste you now possess given such an underpriveleged upbringing. There may be hope for this poor girl. But having seen the cars and the parents, maybe not.
LP
I achieved my highly polished skills by learning balance in a fairly light, plentifully-powered '79 Toyota pickup and a very-good-for-1989 Honda Accord sedan with high-revving carburated engine. Learning balance from the truck, and appreciating handling and feedback from the Accord, were where I got my start.
Did you know that an '89 Accord can go over 110 mph, even with it's pop-up headlights in the raised position?
No I didn't know. Is this first hand knowledge? Downhill with a tailwind? Your brother's friend got a good deal on it, having had such heritage worked in to it.
LP
you could always try and interest them in a nice saab 900.
Want driving skills? 100 miles, everyday, Iowa winter in the friggin country, in a Corolla. Then you will understand balance, and handling.
You should see a surgeon about having the stick removed from your ass.
despite the large size of the camry, it should be noted that in order to learn to drive, one must experience many different situations about as much as different cars, a camry will provide her with basic driving skills, it's not like you need to be perfect, hence LEARNER. the camrys of today are much nicer than you think, smooth, quiet and controlled, maybe you think you need control because you drive a crappy car that can't handle itself
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