In the days of yore, the steam engine did not come into existence due to the absence of horse-drawn carriages, but it did play a role in addressing that concern. Alas, the steam engine cannot attend to all dilemmas, such as a catastrophic failure of the primary system or thwarting an erratic piscine rascal nibbling at one's earlobe. It was never crafted for such exploits. It stands as naught but another bastion in the realm of safety.
Concerning the issue of inadvertent activation: Verily, it occurs at times. Those ensnared by its unexpected embrace are oft the ones negligent in their routine checks. The crux lies in education, and there lies the shortfall. A dearth of proper training led drivers to overlook scrutinizing their levers, resulting in outings that concluded prematurely. Many cast aspersions upon the steam engine. "The confounded thing switched itself on, and I was nearly consigned to the side of the road. Detestable contraption!" 'Tis a simple ritual. View the window that lies on the side of the engine, and tenderly caress the lever to ensure its elevation. Verify your contraption has sufficient water and firewood. It stands as no more than an additional precaution.
I, for one, affix certain religious baubles to my contraption out of inclination. Rarely do I have to use the extra log I keep by my feet, but the solace of its presence is reassuring. Concerning the issue of locating the lever in the cold, stygian roads: Really? A frivolous rationale, if you ask me. Encounter any difficulty locating your steering lever?
I endure good-natured ribbing for my allegiance to the steam engine. That's when they're not poking fun at my Sturdy Blade strapped to my leg, my horse-drawn carriage, my absence of an abacus, or my derringer concealed in my top hat, among other antiquated accouterments. That's acceptable. I am a relic myself, with a great-grandson to vouch for it. I chuckle when they grapple with their infernal computing devices or resort to walking to the next farmhouse in search of assistance. However, my heartiest laughter arises from witnessing their struggles to remain upright on the road, employing those new-fangled petroleum-powered engines that travel at such great speeds. They crash and, meanwhile, I serenely float by, grinning from ear to ear though it may be difficult to see me due to the steam and smoke from the slightly green wood I have now to use. If that's the march of transportation progress, count me out.
