01/05/2026
Operational update for modern mobile computer units, sometimes refered to as cars.
This week, I had the interesting pleasure of helping a client with a brand new automatic Volvo.
When my client put her "Car" in reverse, the vehicle would not creep.
What I discovered, is that you have to "tap" the push / pull leaver for hand control driving, bavkwards for gas. You need about 2 to 3mm of movement, to get the computer to engage power for reverse, the vehicle will then start to move and the driver can now control the speed by pushing the leaver forwards for brake.
Remember the "car" will try to get upto 5mph quite quickly, which is exactly the opposite to what the driver wants. 5mph is to fast for safe reversing in a car park that has potentially high risk from other vehicle and pedestrian movements.
This maybe why parking incidents are on the rise.
Imgine a nervous driver, now throw in a busy car park and a tight parking situation.
At that point, a driver has to remember to either tap the leaver backwards to start the vehicle moving, or tap the gas pedal with their foot, then immedately get to the brake to control the speed by pushing away with the leaver, or moving their foot back to the brake whist in a stressful situation.
The risk of hitting the gas harder is extremely high.
This is why you should always have your heal in line with he brake pedal on the floor as a reference point to the brake. Only take to front of your foot to the side, by rotating from the ankle, to reach the gas pedal, if you can, again remember, not all drivers have the ability to rotate at the ankle joint, so rely on moving the entire leg and foot from gas to brake, from the hip. This takes longer to do, hence more space / distance is covered.
Disabled drivers are at a disadvantage with this situation as the gas / brake leaver only moves back an forward, there is little to offer with respect to refetence points with the hand.
This just shows, how computer intetfearance is increasing risk.
Be aware, leave more room around these modern vehicles to protect yourself weather walking or driving, risks have increased.
(Under 17 car club, officials, please cascade this to your members)
If you need to practice this skill, find a large open space to learn in, until you are familiar with the movements required.
Remember building up the nerological connections in your brain takes practice and time.
Also please bear in mind that other makes of mobile comouter units may operate similar.
Do take time to understand how your mobile computer is programmed.
Stay safe out there.
