A pet-peeve of mine has always been the lack of conformity in the auto industry concerning the placement of driving controls. Not only has the lack of uniformity been a nuisance, but a hazard to safe driving as well. This is especially true if you have the occasion to use more then one make of car, as is the case with many fleet drivers.

Safety experts have long been argued that the safest shift patterns for automatic transmission cars is Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive-Low, yet for years, many cars coming out of Detroit carried a Park-Neutral-Drive-Low-Reverse pattern. The argument put forth by the safety experts is that it is possible for a driver who is shifting from neutral to reverse to put the transmission in a forward gear with a P-N-D-L-R pattern. Such action could cause the car to crush into whatever object is immediately ahead of the car. I, myself, have had several near misses because of this type of shift pattern. It is almost impossible to go forward when seeking reverse with a P-R-N-D-L pattern.

General Motors Corp. has been the major holdout against the P-R-N-D-L pattern. With the exception of Chevrolet, all GM cars with automatic transmissions had a P-N-D-L-R pattern. Some variation was found on GM cars with three-speed automatic transmissions, but basically the quadrants were those disapproved of by safety experts. This year GM decided to follow the majority. All Buicks, Oldsmobile F-85's, Tempests and some Cadillacs have the recommended P-R-N-D-L pattern. The change was brought about with the introduction of GM's new three-speed torque converter transmission. It is expected that the remaining Cadillacs and Oldsmobile and Pontiacs will switch over this full when they also get the new transmission. Chrysler Corp. probably will go to a P-R-N-D-L pattern if and when it drops its push button transmission controls.

In another move toward uniformity, Ford Motor Co. has moved the ignition switch to the right side of the steering post, where most cars have their switches. I assume that other Ford cars will make the change in the near future. Although I am left-handed, I find it much more convenient to have the ignition switch on the right of the steering column. While on the subject, I wish the industry would get together on the ignition switch and doors locks so that the keys are inserted rightside up. I find it is incongruous that my car key has to be inserted upside down when every other key I owns fits into the locks rightside up. 

I disapprove of most forms of conformity, but I do feel that a little conformity in the auto industry will go a long way in promoting safe driving. With car ownership at an all-time high, these simple changes can no longer be delayed. The auto companies can stress individuality in styling, but they shouldn't do it with driving controls.

While I'm sounding off, I feel that the criticism that has been leveled against certain Chrysler Corp. executive for selling stock purchased under option at great profits is unjust and uncalled for. The executives made a profit only because they were able to turn the company around and put it into the black. Stockholders have been handsomely rewarded with two stock splits and two 100 per cent dividend increases. It is not enough to reward executives with huge salaries since the government gets most of the money. Stock options are needed as an added incentive. If the executives don't produce, the price of the stock doesn't increase and the options aren't worth the paper they are printed on. In my opinion, Chrysler officials are entitled to all the options the company will grant--as long as earnings and dividends keep going up.