Well, if you look at that.
It's Friday.
And if you've been with us lowly rogues for a time, you will know that only means one thing:
FUN FACT FRIDAY!
Last week, I didn't air an episode out of respect for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which many of you wrote in to share what you were doing and where you were when that tragedy unfolded.
I wasn't exaggerating when I said everyone remembers that day.
But today is the 18th of September, so we shall resume our weekly musing of interesting facts you didn't ask for but are getting anyway (along with my egregious gaffes). And as the Watson household was rocked this week when our beloved car failed its annual MOT test after back-to-back passes, the theme was quickly unearthed.
So, without further ado, here are 5 facts about cars you probably didn't know:
Did you know…
The world's first speeding ticket was issued in 1896 for driving at – wait for it – just 8 mph. That was four times the legal limit of 2 mph at the time.
(Imagine watching a "high-speed" pursuit back then. The trauma!)
Did you know…
Cruise control was invented by a blind engineer. Ralph Teetor lost his sight as a child and developed the system after getting frustrated with his lawyer's inconsistent driving speeds.
(I'm guessing lane control was too much for him? 😬)
Did you know…
The average car spends about 95% of its life parked. Only around 5% of its time is actually spent being driven.
(Yet it is responsible for nearly half of all stress caused.)
Did you know…
The average American driver spends the equivalent of about two weeks of their life waiting at red lights.
(Is that supposed to make the rest of us lazy?)
Did you know…
The windshield wiper was invented by a woman in 1903. Mary Anderson came up with the idea after watching drivers struggle to see in rain and snow. Her basic design is still used to this day.
(What can I say… Behind every great car is a great windshield wiper.)
Annnnnnnnnnnnd that's a wrap, folks.
5 fun facts about cars you probably didn't know and much less cared about. Now go forth and conquer Trivial Pursuit this weekend over a glass of wine and a foul-smelling cheeseboard.
Do us proud, Legionnaire.
And if you found this collection of facts fun and bingeable, you might just enjoy my collection of 141 micro stories.
It's called Tiny Epics and spans fantasy, sci-fi, and a smidge of horror. You can grab it in ebook or audiobook here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/Tiny-Epics-Vol-1
Have a great weekend. Stay classy out there!
DJJW