Trouble concentrating with Automatic cars?

[saberz]

It's true, you are usually a bit more focused driving a manual. But driving a manual doesn't give you the luxury of drinking a soda while driving except if you stay in a gear for a length of time.

Good thing is, if manual's were more common place, there would be far less cell phone yip yapping because your right hand is always in use except at highway speed/max gear for certain lengths of time.

 

[crinkles]

your driving skills SHOULD NOT be influenced by which transmission you drive to the extent that one is safer than the other. IIRC automatics were sold at first as being safer than manuals because you had more time to concentrate (back then).

for city driving, a manual is a PITA.

 

[BearZDefect]

If you like a manual transmission, then you like having greater control of the vehicle. Being this type, when I drive an automatic (as I do these days), sometimes I do unusual things to get the automatic to do what I want (ex, lock the TCC). I consider that a distraction because I am not really in control, I am merely trying to provide the input parameters that make the automatic do X, Y, or Z.

With a manual transmission it is more intuitive - I can make it do exactly what I want it to do. There is only one brain in control of gear ratio selection, and no torque converter to make it feel like a boat.

 

[saaber1]

The new dual clutch manual transmissions have the best of both worlds I think. Manual when you want to and auto when you want to (not talking about a steptronic automatic that has a torque converter). Plus 0-60 time and mpg is slightly better with the dual clutch vs. the manual.

 

[Benzadmiral]

I've always driven automatics, so I don't know, but I stay focused on my driving because I have to look ahead to avoid the potholes.

 

[AntiMatic]

I control the vehicle, therefore I drive a manual:
93 Civic
96 800 Vulcan
97 328IC
09 Accord
72 Cutlass (matching numbers with M20, 3.23)
70 Chevelle (454, 3.73 posi)
However, wife has an 03 Trailblazer, Son 93 Camry, Step daughter 01 Accord, all with slushboxes, much to my chagrin. Hate automatics' inefficiencies, heat, complexities, filters, maintenance, connection to radiator, leaks, gaskets, extra sticker price,...I feel so strongly, you could ay I'm Anti autoMatic. Automatics are like Sominex.

 

[Nick R]

Just a thought, and I'm not insinuating you are bad drivers, but maybe you always make errors, but you are just noticing them more with Automatics because you aren't focused on shifting constantly. *shrug* Just a thought...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
but maybe you always make errors, but you are just noticing them more with Automatics because you aren't focused on shifting constantly.

Yeah.... no.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Just a thought, and I'm not insinuating you are bad drivers, but maybe you always make errors, but you are just noticing them more with Automatics because you aren't focused on shifting constantly. *shrug* Just a thought...


You make a good point. My first thought when reading this thread for the first time, was that the original poster was a new driver, but I went back just now and re-read his first post and I see he's been driving for 11 years.

I've read similar threads on various "fanboi" sites, where all the drivers are 16-19 years of age; they complain when their car is in the shop and they drive Mommy's Camry (or whatever) that it puts them to sleep because its an automatic. What's that all about? No longer have to concentrate on not stalling the car when you street-race Timmy away from the high school parking lot?

I recognize that every driver is different, but honestly, if someone "has trouble concentrating" with certain types of transmissions, perhaps they shouldn't be driving at all? Too many other distractions perhaps? Not enough sleep?

 

[CivicFan]

I think I make less errors with automatics. It's very difficult to drive a manual in a city while talking on the cell phone, slurping a coffee and emailing on a blackberry.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I think I make less errors with automatics. It's very difficult to drive a manual in a city while talking on the cell phone, slurping a coffee and emailing on a blackberry.


What?? You're not shaving and reading a news paper?

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I think I make less errors with automatics. It's very difficult to drive a manual in a city while talking on the cell phone, slurping a coffee and emailing on a blackberry.


What?? You're not shaving and reading a news paper?

Nah. I can't leave the house without looking proper. And I don't read newspapers on paper.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: Onmo'Eegusee
I get engine braking. I hit "O/D off" and bam engine braking down to about 40. If Im going down a hill I have manual 2nd and 1st at my disposal as well.


Some automatics, like GM's 4T40E, provide engine braking in all gears at all times.

I like that.

 

[saberz]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I think I make less errors with automatics. It's very difficult to drive a manual in a city while talking on the cell phone, slurping a coffee and emailing on a blackberry.


What?? You're not shaving and reading a news paper?

Or changing your pants as you are driving around? ;P

 

[PF52]

I was in traffic once behind a guy who was giving himself a haircut. At every red light he'd look in the mirror and cut a few locks.

Imagine the mess! Not to mention what I'd assume to be an awful haircut.

 

[wander2039]

Nope just as bad driver in one as the other. In the Escape if let off the gas completely it'll come to almost a complete stop.

 

[Colt45ws]

I do not think the title of this thread is true at all.
Evidence

 

[Dualie]

I think i make more mistakes in the Manual F-150 than i do in the Auto F-350 dually. But on the same token i make way less driving mistakes in the T-800 with an 18spd than i do the auto F-350.

But i also take operating a heavy commercial vehicle pretty seriously.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I agree commerical driving really improved my driving because the fines are so steep for little things. On top of that dounut muncher's ie trafic cops will write you for the smallest of offenses. For instance if the front bumper of your big rig cross the threshold line at a stop light say good buy to $500.No one in car ever gets a ticket for this butin a big rig you sure do!

Not to mention a silly mistake like T handle in the wrong position can ruin your day and everyone else's as well! In fact I would be willing to bet that 99% of car accidents are committed by drivers of automatics even after you account for the difference in numbers sold of each!Even I drive worse in an automatic.

The only thing an automatic does for driving is remove skill and thought from the equation that is driving. They do not get better fuel ecconomy, they are not as durable, the cost more to fix, and are heavier!

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: JohnBrowning
The only thing an automatic does for driving is remove skill and thought from the equation that is driving. They do not get better fuel ecconomy, they are not as durable, the cost more to fix, and are heavier!

They also serve to prevent me from getting sent to the mental ward!