jonjon, all slightly complicated solutions, but all resulted in a simplified life. A noble goal. You spend a little time thinking, a little time doing, and life is easier. I commend you.
I hope the OP gets something out of our OT ramblings.
jp
Simple solutions work best. I like the horn in the cab. As service manager I had was a retired marine Colonel. At the base he was at the Marines had to run everywhere they went. They'd throw the doors to the building open right outside his office and the door struck the building. He solved the problem. The next Marine that hit the building with the door, he stopped him and had him stand there with his hand where it would get hit when the door came open and hit the building. He told him to stand there until his had was struck, then direct the next Marine that hit it to take his place until he returned. At the end of the day, he let the last Marine go. His door never got whacked again while he was stationed there.