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A Model for Metro, in Romania

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Driving Blind in Rental Cars

Dear Dr. Gridlock

It seems that rental car companies never keep driver's manuals in cars anymore. One time, I wanted to reset the clock and asked the company about it when I returned the car. The employee said that people take the manuals. (My manual was actually with the spare tire!)

I am in favor of a cheap, copied "cheat sheet" that could be given out each time the car is rented. It is really disconcerting to have to figure out how to turn the lights on when it gets dark, or turn the wipers on when it starts raining, or open the gas tank.

Ann Wass

Riverdale

Rental car companies should give out this information. How to work the basic equipment shouldn't be a secret or subject to dangerous trial and error.

Transportation researcher Diane Mattingly contributed to this column.

Dr. Gridlock appears Thursday in the Extra and Sunday in the Metro section. You can write to Dr. Gridlock at 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. He prefers to receive e-mail, atdrgridlock@washpost.com, or faxes, at 703-352-3908. Include your full name, town, county and telephone numbers.

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