So given my injury, which had nothing to do with dancing or curling (I've only been injured doing one of those in the past), I'm constantly coming up with ways to make my life a little less strenuous. While the Insight's electric power steering makes low-speed maneuvers easier than most cars south of Toyota, there have been times this week when I could've pulled into a parking spot a little smoother and quicker, and with less strain on my wrist.
Then I thought of those knobs you used to see on old timey cars without power steering and on some ride-on lawn mowers. I thought, "hey, why not go down to Pep Boys and pick one up." Well, as Magrath was quick to point out, they're illegal in California and most states because (for one) they live up to their suicide knob label. I guess planting your head on one during a crash is nastier than just ramming your head into an airbagless wheel hub. They're also bound to make people even lazier and prone to wildly excessive steering inputs.
This made me wonder why Magrath was so well versed on the legality of suicide knobs in California, but also had me checking to see if they're permissible for use by people with disabilities. And whataya know, they seem to be. Given the temporary nature of my "disability" and the fact I'm perfectly capable of steering the Insight, I think I'll pass on the suicide/brodie/granny knob. Should things take a turn for the worse and they have to hack off my left arm, though, I think I'll set myself up with one of those wicked cool skull head knobs. It totally goes with the Insight.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor on the DL @ 18,294 miles
P.S. Someone did correctly guess my injury and the circumstances on Wednesday
hybris says:
10:06 AM, 05/21/10
The skull definitely makes the interior look better.
I have the same skull design on my hitch cover with light up eyes and nose.
mcgs999 says:
10:13 AM, 05/21/10
After reviewing the comments from wednesday I am still unsure but I am liking my shoulder/collarbone softball injury - that said the wrist comment above... hmmmm
Hope you are on the mend but you do need that skull.
felonious says:
10:31 AM, 05/21/10
Bowling!
felonious says:
10:38 AM, 05/21/10
Woops, replied before I read that last line. I change my vote to "mountain biking".
carguy622 says:
10:47 AM, 05/21/10
The skull head knob is the nicest thing about that interior.
karjunkie says:
11:20 AM, 05/21/10
Yeah, but you can still put a chromed chain steering wheel on a low rider, drive a motorcycle without a helmet and text while you drive! Oh well, who said the law had to be logical...:)
actualsize says:
11:26 AM, 05/21/10
"On the DL" "On the disabled list" Is James dropping hints with these particular phrases?
felonious says:
12:27 PM, 05/21/10
Well, Dan, between your and James' hints, it's obvious now. :) And I was so wrong!