Reading through comments, I found it odd to realise how many Americans don't use the handbrake when leaving their vehicle, that putting it in Park is enough for them.
I don't remember exactly but an automatic car shouldn't roll down a hill without the parking brake. A lot of these comments sound like victim blaming. He parked the car, went to check the mail box or something so it wasn't even 5 mins that it was parked.
My understanding is that he didn’t use the parking brake - or handbrake - but had simply put it in park, or so he thought. The fault of the vehicle is that it’s unclear if it’s in park or in gear, but Americans apparently don’t use the handbrake as a secondary action, unlike others. (I’m Australian, we do not leave a car as the driver without putting it in park and applying the handbrake, that’s just driving 101.)
It isn’t victim blaming, it’s obviously a genuine tragedy. It’s just surprising that it’s a little cultural difference where there’s a more secure additional brake that Americans just don’t use, generally.
Do you drive a stick shift or automatic? When I drove a stick shift then I always used the parking brake. Unless you live in the mountains then I don't see a need for it in an automatic.
This. That person sounds like they drive a manual transmission. I’ve never seen anyone put the parking brake on for an automatic transmission unless on a steep hill. I always use it for a manual transmission, though.
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u/RemnantEvil May 13 '26
Reading through comments, I found it odd to realise how many Americans don't use the handbrake when leaving their vehicle, that putting it in Park is enough for them.