I never har that experience with mine so it’s hard for me to subscribe it to anything but operator error. No insult intended I’m old school in that I trust my training and experience and always make sure both parking brake and the park on the shifter are both engaged before exiting the vehicle. It’s sort of the same phenomenon of people trusting cameras and sensors to park or drive rather than their eyes and turning their head where needed.
But I digress since I’m off topic.
I really think its where you grew up, not an Age or School type of thing.
My Dad is almost 80? (will ask the Wife!)
78, He;s 78!.
Dad never uses his parking brake, with an automatic, unless it is a darn steep grade.
I am the same way.
Can remember my Grandpa, same thing.
If it is a steep grade, use the parking brake.
If it's a Clutch, use the parking brake.
Had a buddy, moved here from Georgia, he used his parking brake, with an automatic, on flat as Pancake grade.
I asked him, did you grow up in the Hiills? Do they even have Hills in Georgia?
He said no, grew up on flat land but that's just how he was taught. so really think it is a regional thing , more than anything.
80 year old Neighbor was a Ridge Running Hillbilly from West BY GAWD Virginia.
Career Navy man. Command whatever the heck Master Chief.
Spent his entire navy Career pushing paper, working with Admirals & other Fleet Command Officers.
Exceptionally well groomed, Well Mannered, Polished individual.
Would never suspect his upbringing, except he always used his parking brake.
He had a few other quirks but hid them well.
Adopted Daughter had one of those runaway gear selectors.
Had one issue with it and she always used her parking brake afterwards, even after it was fixed, until she traded off.
Does not use her parking brake on anything since. Not that I've noticed anyway.