Small Cars Don't Get Any Respect

I live in Belgium and drive an old, beat-up Mini Rover. Although Belgium is not the land of gas guzzling trucks and SUVs, there is no respect for drivers of small cars.

I deal with serious incidences every time I drive down the street.

My husband, who drives a bigger Volvo, recently drove my car and was astounded at how many people cut him off. We began counting how many times we had to brake for cars that pulled out in front of us and we got to five, which might not sound like much, but we only drove four miles!

In my Rover, I often feel like I am completely invisible.

But the smiles and waves I get from kids and old-timer lovers tell me my rusty baby and I are no figment of the imagination. And that’s the reason I drive this car: It puts smiles on many faces and I can always find a parking spot.

The solution is extraordinarily simple: respect, courtesy and common sense. Just because someone drives a small, old car does not mean that he is driving at a snail's pace.

Lisa Troch is a teacher and writer originally from the U.S. who now resides in Belgium.