Advocacy in Action
Below is a copy of the letter we sent to the Acting Administrator of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
Save The Manuals Foundation
1001 Main St, Suite 500
Kalispell, MT 59901
SaveTheManuals1999@gmail.com
www.savethemanuals.org
September 4, 2025
Acting Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
Re: Encouraging the Use and Preservation of Manual Transmission Vehicles for Road Safety and Fuel Efficiency
Dear Administrator Carlson,
On behalf of the Save The Manuals Foundation, I write to urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to explore and support regulatory and educational initiatives that recognize the safety and efficiency benefits of manual transmission vehicles in the modern driving environment.
As the national conversation continues around road safety, distracted driving, and energy efficiency, we believe manual transmission vehicles represent an underutilized but effective tool in achieving several of NHTSA’s core objectives.
Manual Transmissions: An Antidote to Distracted Driving
In the age of texting and touchscreen infotainment systems, drivers face more distractions than ever. For teen drivers in particular — the demographic most susceptible to texting while driving — a manual transmission creates a natural barrier to distraction. The physical and cognitive engagement required to operate a clutch and shift gears discourages one-handed texting, mindless scrolling, or interacting with phones while driving.
A driver who is actively shifting gears must focus on road conditions, vehicle speed, and engine feedback — reinforcing attentiveness and situational awareness, traits known to reduce accident risk. In short, manual transmissions demand attention, and that attention saves lives.
Teen Drivers: Building Better Habits from Day One
We strongly believe that driver education programs should include instruction on manual transmissions. Drivers trained on manuals tend to develop a stronger sense of vehicle control, better hazard anticipation, and more respect for the mechanics and responsibility of driving.
Incorporating manual transmission training into teen driver curricula could help build long-term habits that resist distracted behavior, especially as vehicles become more automated and digital interfaces increasingly dominate the cabin environment.
Fuel Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Impact
Despite advances in automatic transmission efficiency, many modern manual-equipped vehicles still outperform their automatic counterparts in real-world fuel economy — especially in lightweight, low-power vehicles. They also often carry fewer electronic components, reducing vehicle weight and complexity.
Additionally, because manual drivers tend to drive more conservatively and intentionally (due to the nature of gear selection), they may contribute to lower average fuel consumption and emissions across vehicle fleets.
Encouraging the continued availability of manual transmissions could be a complementary strategy in national efforts to reduce gasoline consumption and emissions while supporting consumer choice and affordability.
Other Public Safety and Systemic Benefits
- Reduced Vehicle Theft: It’s no secret that many car thieves — especially younger offenders — are unfamiliar with manual transmissions, effectively reducing theft risk.
- Mechanical Simplicity: Manuals typically require less maintenance and are more durable over time, contributing to vehicle longevity and sustainability.
- Affordability: Manual transmission cars often cost less upfront, making safer, more fuel-efficient transportation more accessible to lower-income drivers.
A Modest Proposal
We ask that NHTSA consider the following actions:
- Include Manual Transmission Safety Benefits in Distracted Driving Campaigns
- Fund Research on Manual Transmissions and Driver Attention/Engagement
- Support the Inclusion of Manual Training in Driver’s Education Standards
- Preserve Consumer Access by Encouraging Automakers Not to Phase Out Manuals Entirely
While we acknowledge that the automotive landscape is shifting toward automation and electrification, manual transmissions remain an irreplaceable tool for fostering safer, more responsible drivers — especially among youth.
We would be honored to engage further with NHTSA on this topic and assist in any research, outreach, or policy discussions. Thank you for your continued commitment to road safety and for considering the role manual transmissions can play in a safer, more attentive driving culture.
With respect and appreciation,
Joshua Sofias
Executive Director
Save The Manuals Foundation
SaveTheManuals1999@gmail.com
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