On Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:09:49 +0100, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"Jeßus" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Sat, 28 Jun 2014 09:40:02 -0400, Nancy Young
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>On 6/28/2014 9:32 AM, ChattyCathy wrote:
>>>
>>>> Automatics are good in heavy traffic (saves having to keep one's foot on
>>>> clutch pedal) - but in any other circumstances, I prefer 'stick shift'
>>>> vehicles; I can pull off in 1st, 2nd and have even done it in 3rd gear
>>>> occasionally <laugh>. And I also know when to change gears - don't need
>>>> a
>>>> rev counter to do it - I still have pretty good hearing...
>>>
>>>I'm with you! I like to shift when I feel like it.
>>
>> Me too. I often start off in 2nd gear on our hilly roads around here.
>> (depends on vehicle's gearing, engine torque, etc.). Too many people
>> will always take off in 1st by default, when it isn't really
>> appropriate.
>
>Because they are not used to the way the clutch and gears work.

I think it's more a lack of thinking and sheer habit.