Evening star., 1925-08-02
No. 1C9-Closed-Car Traits.
Smith has just bought closed C

Smith has just bought a closed car.
/ record this as an important step
in his career as motorist because 1t
marks the beginning of new chap
ter in his experience as safe driver.
Smith was basking in the luxury
of silver door handles and soft velour
when | first complimented him upon
his purchase and had no thought for
the difference between open and closed
types of driving. So when I informed
him that he was starting to learn TO
drive all over again he ceased point
! ing out the features of the interior OF
the car and demanded an explanation
of my concern for his safety.
! "One reason l bought this car is to
avoid the danger of driving in wet
weather with rain curtains" he ex-
planned. "A closed car ought to be
safer"
1T will be safer, provided you re-
wise your driving habits accordingly, ;"
cautioned Remember that you
now have a few more blind spots
to contend with in fair weather as
we'll as in the rain. I'm referring to
these body posts. In your open car
you were usually edging over toward
the center of the car, where you auto
matically got a better view of the
road through the windshield. If you
don't watch yourself with this car
you'll be lapsing into the habit of
slouching into the corner and trying
to see dangers through the wood
post
Beating Headlight Glare.
Smith admitted he hadn't thought
Of this but mentioned the fact that
he did notice that the closed car was
already saving him one particular an
noyance. In the open car, whenever
the headlights of the car behind were
rejecting in the rear view mirror and
half binding him. he either had to-
take the glare or twist the mirror
out of focus. Now with the closed
car he can pull down the rear window
curtain.
That's just what 1 like about the
closed type of car" l told him.
There are a number of danger points
to be guarded against, but just as
soon as you have made up your mind
to solve them you're just that much
farther along in your motoring ex-
perience. I never fully appreciated
how important it is to drop into sec.
ond gear when going down hill, but
since l have acquired a closed car
I've been forced to it, and am thank
full for it. Closed cars will soon be
no heavier than their open comrades,
but at present there is still enough
difference in most makes to keep the
closed car running a little faster all
the time, other things being equal.
II want to caution you against
this increased speed. because weight
isn't the only reason for it. You
recall that when you drove much
a q
car your passengers were busy hold
ing their hats and wondering whether
they would be laid up with the
grip after the ride. You were con-
scious of the speed you were travel
ing. and the breeZes sort of kept you
alive to dangers en- route. It's very
different with closed car. You can
be going 40 and never realize it
until you have to stop.
Regulation of Windows.
Just because you are inclined TO
take advantage of the convenience of
the glass protection you are apt to
drive with the windows nearly closed
when it would be better to leave them
open as much as possible. When the
breeze is shut out altogether you will
find that passengers are inclined to
get into deep conversation, all of
which serves to distract your atten-
ton. Give them a little breeze and
remind them that they're out on the
highway and not at the club
Smith admitted he had had a little
experience which convinced him that
driving a closed car meant giving
more attention to the job. He had
tried to shout to another motorist
without his windows down. 1t taught
him that a keener sense of hearing
might be essential in driving closed
cars.
But isn't all this an advantage in