Peter Clenott

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 getting us to "where we want to go". The "greening" of our planet is important to all of us; however, we must beware of pseudo-experts and incomplete information. Chapter X covers the "yin and yang" of "driving green", with good and reasonable "how to" advice. If one could read only one chapter of this book, Chapter XI The Rules of the Road would be my recommendation. No contest. Chapter XII, Insurance Companies, includes auto-accident information. With the memorable words of the famous poet William Wordsworth, in Chapter XIII the author brings home the sad and tragic facts that spurred her to write this book. The EPILOGUE fulfills the promise of the author to teach not only driving and auto-maintenance, but some useful "facts of life". This chapter is her gift because she cares.