What if....

I was watching a car commercial that said something about how the car was designed for the raceway and I was wondering why don’t car companies design a car for rush hour commute? What would the car look like? What amenities would it have? It is not uncommon for me to have a 45 minute commute. I am not alone in driving a long commute. A car designed to handle the snarls and frustrations of commuting might be a big seller. This Ramble is about this silly idea.

• A car designed for the rush hour commute would have to have power; after all you have to go from 10 mph to 60 mph in less than 2 car lengths or you might get run over by that truck in your rear view mirror.
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  It would have to have tight steering radius after all you are moving a break neck speed to get between 2 cars where one driver has decided you are not going to get in front of him.
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  The transmission must be very durable and agile to handle the low gears for long periods and then to high gear in 1 car length.
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  Brakes would be designed to be exceptionally good at stopping a car on a dime. So when the driver in front of you drops his cigarette and has to come to a quick stop to put the fire out you don’t have to meet this guy with the burned pants.
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  Shocks should be very durable since pot holes can wreck the cars alignment.
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  It would be good if steering could be programmed for a location so driving the car would not interfere with talking on the cell phone, yelling at the people in the back seat, or trying to find a good radio station.
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  Tires need to be able provide a very comfortable ride and handle a 10 inch deep pothole, wet and hot conditions. It would also be good if they would repair themselves as you sit in traffic – that would help with the traffic flow.
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  The interior must be comfortable, durable, and never show dirt.
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  The need for an assortment of holders for food, drink, cell phone, makeup, glasses and such would be much appreciated.
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  Exterior paint should never fade, chip, and should be scratch proof.
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  The car should have a way of censoring the ugly gestures, angry faces, and bad words from other drivers.
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  Horns should work only in an emergency never in a traffic jam, or sound for more than 2 honks.
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  There should be an option for soothing sounds and fragrances automatically to come on when traffic comes to a stop for more than 5 minutes.
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  There should be an automatic warning for people approaching your car with a squeegee to “back away and leave the windows alone.”
  

I am sure there are a million other things that should be considered when designing a car for rush hour commute but here is a starting list. What would you add to the list?

Elaine H.