TO THE EDITOR, THE NORTHFIELD NEWS: BACK IN the fifties, those of us working in the automotive industry, worked to get automobile controls standardized.

At that time, reverse on GM cars with hydraulic drive was where low is today. Some manufacturers used negative for ground and some used positive.

By 1956, things were pretty much standard. Reverse is where it is on all cars today. Negative is grounded with 12 volts on all.

Recently, I note that seat belts release the same way on all cars I've seen. Previously, there had been four ways to release them.

Now we need to correct a couple more problems so that driving different autos becomes less of a challenge.

All controls should be the same so that, especially, at night, we can find them without a flashlight.

Cruise control is the biggest offender. Of the eight different brands I drive, there are 5 different ways to activate cruise control. Some GM cars have all the control on the horn button area but Chevy vans have it on the turn signal handle. Pontiac and BMW have a tab sticking out beneath the steering wheel on the post.

My Impala has the "on" switch on the directional signal handle and the set and resume are on the spokes.

Many of those on the steering hub have different configurations.

If you have a flashlight handy and take your eyes off the road, it isn't a problem.

Some even illuminate with lights on! I use cruise control every chance I get - it keeps my heavy foot out of trouble.

Most autos now have the dimmer switch on the directional signal handle, pulling up to switch to the alternate beam. Not Ford! Their dimmer switch is on the same handle BUT low beam is up and high beam is down.

Have you ever tried to sound your horn? Find the picture of a bugle on the steering wheel and press it with all of your might in JUST THAT SPOT. That seems to be the answer.

Perhaps I should be thankful the brake pedal on all cars is to the left of the accelerator.
LESLIE A. SKINNER, JR.
Northfield