Margaret Harkins Patterson

Driving: a Rite of Passage Margaret Harkins Patterson

The prologue contains my reasons for writing this book for teens. The points that I emphasize are: 1. that car ownership is not necessary, 2. that being responsible brings rewards, and 3. that staying healthy and safe are "cool". In Chapter I, I urge young drivers to get the most out of the educational opportunities afforded them, including reading the state Driver's Manual and their Owner's Manual. In Chapter II, one gets a little idea of the tremendous effort on the part of many great inventors who are responsible for the mobilization that we enjoy today, and who made it possible for the average American family to own a car. Chapter III urges the reader to practice in a safe place, with supervision, in order to become "comfortable in the driver's seat" and to know exactly how his car will respond to every command. Chapter IV describes the outside components of the car, the operations of those components, the care and maintenance thereof, and the diagnosis of and the solution for problems. The operating instructions for a standard transmission are included. Chapter V addresses the functions and maintenance of the battery, fluids, filters and belts. Inside controls are covered in Chapter VI, including adjustment of side mirrors to eliminate blind spots. Also included are instructions on jump starting a dead battery, diagnosing potential problems, seat belt requirements, and much more. Chapter VII instructs the driver on all the motions of actual driving, starting with the positioning of the driver and application of seat belts all the way through to parking the car. It includes backing up, turning around, how best to start the engine in cold weather, and a few insights into human nature. Chapter VIII. Hazardous driving in snow and ice and many other things to be mindful of, such as bicycles, workers, pedestrians, animals and other drivers, covered here in detail. Chapter IX reminds us that good manners never go out of style, and that they play a large part in gettin