Honda Element in its new Element.

Ever see hand controls on a car? Ones that permit a driver to by-pass factory-standard foot brake and accelerator and rely instead on manual devices?

Friends of ours installed them in their car, and paid us a visit the other day.  We were eager to see the retro-fit and check out the handiwork (no pun, promise).

Manual controls work like a charm.  One hand lever replaces the brake, another the throttle. For safety reasons, of course, drivers are re-trained and licensed. The process is slow and steady until competence is acquired.

But then you're good to go. And when time comes to buy a new car, Element or otherwise, it's simple to remove the controls from one vehicle and install them in a new set of wheels.