I tried to explain this at friendsgiving a few weeks ago. I think roads have gotten wider (and speeds higher and vehicles bigger as a result) to make people fee

I tried to explain this at friendsgiving a few weeks ago. I think roads have gotten wider (and speeds higher and vehicles bigger as a result) to make people feel safe because people feel more out of touch with their vehicles now. People can't parallel park, but if you parallel park a few times on a hill in a standard, you _know_ your car. To be clear before I continue: I think all cars should go the way of the dodo and we can and should redesign our societies to not be dependent on them because we have the technology and resources to accomplish such a thing, we just waste them. Manufacturing electric cars IS NOT GOING TO REDUCE OUR FOSSIL FUEL EMISSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never understood how anyone could think that. You have to mine for the batteries, the metal, you have to smelt it, is all that green? What about the energy to smelt it? To charge it? What about the environmental impacts of Lithium refining? What about the oil needed for all the plastic pieces inside? We absolutely need to abandon cars and start thinking realistically about how to accomplish it _yesterday_. But while we live on this highway to a mad max hell scape, there is an argument to be made for standard transmissions and their ability to keep the driver engaged and aware. There really is no time to text and drive, or a scenario where you can entirely check out while moving, as you will have to be aware of what your engine and transmission are doing. In an activity that breeds dissociation and distraction, while also demanding your full attention, a standard transmission is the fidget spinner that keeps you present. At least it does me.