Re: Steering Column Stalks


"DavidR" <davNiOdSoPrAoMb@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:3p8st2F98vrmU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> "Mike G" <metier@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
> > "DavidR" <davNiOdSoPrAoMb@xxxxxxxxx> wrote
> >> "DavidR" <davNiOdSoPrAoMb@xxxxxxxxx> wrote
> >>
> >> > I used to swap between a conventional rhd and an lhd 2CV (where 1st
is
> >> > in the correct place and reverse is where a conventional 1st is).
> >> > What's the problem?
> >>
> >> And I ride a bicycle, so I am able to switch between braking with my
> >> hands or feet. I can get in a gokart and do left foot braking. I am
> >> presently learning to fly - by gosh, that's even harder than pushing a
> >> supermaket trolley :)
> >>
> >> I haven't tried a motorbike but apparently some people seem to cope
with
> >> a hand clutch.
> >
> > Apples and Oranges. There's no comparison.
>
> One can switch between vehicles and find a need to brake. What
> mechanism kicks into play that allows the slow down signal to go to hand
or
> left or right foot without a fumble?

Simple answer, memory. Riding a m/cycle, or driving a car has to be learned.
Once learned, and because the two are so different, I believe in a sense,
driving one or the other automatically switches on the right mindset.
Like riding a bicycle. Once mastered you never forget.
I have a full m/cycle licence. Haven't ridden one for years, but a few weeks
ago I rode one around the works car park. I didn't have to think about how
to change gear or brake. It still felt quite natural.
Same as flying. I haven't got a PPL but I've done enough flying in gliders
and light aircraft, to use the flight controls without having to think about
it. Being able to fly radio controlled aircraft helps I would suppose.
Altering minor controls in a car though is not quite the same. Your mindset
switches to a control configuration you've learned for driving cars, so any
alteration in the positioning of indicators, the horn etc, to what you've
become used to, can cause confusion.

> >> I wish car manufacturers could try some variety, rather than people
> >> whingeing that their next car's flawed controls has to be the same as
> >> their last car's flawed controls.
> >
> > What a good idea.
> > So every time, getting into a strange car will mean having to adapt to a
> > different control configuration, other than that which you've got used
> > to. Should result in some entertaining exhibitions from confused
> > drivers.
>
> I am not sure. It might depend on whether people get into the habit of
> expecting different control layouts.

I'm sure. I have enough trouble finding where all the minor controls are in
a strange car, like light switches wipers etc, without having to sort out
different gear configurations as well.

> It is interesting to consider car advertising. They go to great efforts to
> promote the idea that buying *their brand* is a statement of personal
> choice and individuality. Well, of course it isn't: most people aren't
> comfortable with that.

I don't think I'd go along with that. Many drivers still regard their car
almost as a fashion accessory. No matter how good a car is in other
respects, many will reject it, if they feel it doesn't fit their image.
A market that car designers can't afford to ignore.
Mike.
>
>
>

.

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