Why Drive > 80mph?

Off Topic
101

[quote]Mr. Moose wrote:

That makes perfect sense!! You’ve the past 12 years driven a truck that max out at 85 and because of that you have the skills to drive at 140??

Yeah, right.[/quote]

The 81 Chevy was my daily driver for the past 12 years. In that time I have played around in a host of motor-sports from drag racing to autocross. I am a certified instructor for Driver’s Ed., Defensive Driving, and Smith Driving System. I also maintain my Commercial Drivers Liscense. Every couple of years I enroll in one of the Skip Barber Driving/Racing Schools. In fact I’m hoping to take the 2-day High Performance Driving Class this spring or summer.

My Chevy has always been my “old reliable”, but I have bought, sold and traded a dozen cars in the last 8 years. Ranging from a 55 Dodge pickup to a 78 Corvette. Add to that the company provided fleet vehicles, the odd rental car, and just about every type of car Chrysler has produced since 1995. I think of myself as a rather accomplished and experienced driver.

And Finally I Practice. In high school my friends and I were notorious for tearing around Lakeline Mall at 2am. We taught ourselves J-turns, powerslides and such in the parking lots and the surrounding loops. Back then it was the mall and the roads without all the extra development it has today. I still enjoy cruising the backroads of Blanco and Llano counties with my grandpa. In fact we make a day of it everytime my dad or I bring home anything interesting.

If that isnt enough of a resume for you, then sod off.

102

I will admit that speeding is a significant contributor (about 30%) to traffic accidents and fatalities. Speed related accidents are any where the driver is charged with racing, driving to fast for the given conditions, or driving above the posted limit. As I said before let the road dictate the drive not your ego.

However 40% of auto accidents are Alchol related. And to make things a little more complicated, in 40% of the speed related accidents the driver was legaly drunk at .08 g/dL. Alcohol is a major factor in almost half of all speeding accidents. Take home point = Alcohol is the number one contributing factor to auto accident fatalities.

If you really want to save the children just advocate to have fool-proof Breathalizers installed in all vehicles.

In the end the truth of the matter is that no amount of legislation or factory-installed limiters will make drving 100% safe. There will always be those, like me, who drive fast because we enjoy it and there will be those who drive fast because they are idiots, like the mom and child example. If you’re going to speed, do it the smart way. Do it on the open road, maintain space so you have room to maneuver, learn to break properly, to steer correctly, and to not overreact.

103

It’s fun to take my Jetta up to 115 on a country road where you can see miles in front of you and nothing but cows…I don’t want anyone putting a damn governor on my car thanks.

104

[quote]sk8tgurl wrote:
It’s fun to take my Jetta up to 115 on a country road where you can see miles in front of you and nothing but cows…I don’t want anyone putting a damn governor on my car thanks. [/quote]

But what about THE CHILDREN??? They could be playing in the road…or riding cows!!! Or…or what if you killed a cow and…and then I couldn’t eat any beef for a week!? Uhp, I mean, THE CHILDREN couldn’t eat beef for a week! They would starve from lack of beef all because of YOU!! Can’t everyone just become MMA wannabes like the rest of the high school kids on this board?!!

105

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Doug Adams wrote:
Why should a human being need to squat 900 pounds? Why diet down to a bodyfat of < 3%? Why put on plastic pads and beat the crap out of each other for money?

The answer to these is the same as the op’s question: Because it’s cool and because we can.

That’s why I have a motorcycle. You reach nirvana when you hit 120mph on an open stretch of road.[/quote]

I went to a funeral last weekend for a very good friend of mine, he was 39… had a Harley, and dumped it on a freeway offramp. He wasn’t drinking, nor was he an inexperienced rider. He may not have even died if it hadn’t been for roadwork equipment, he did all the right things and got an unlucky break. I’ve been a bit down for it.

Today on my way home from work I just had to pass an accident scene, and see a motorcyclist immobilized in the midst of being resuscitated. Today was a beautiful day, and when the sun shines, the motorcycles flock… and there they go down the middle section, trusting no idiot will make a sudden lane change and snuff their lives in seconds flat. Baffling to me really considering the unpredictable stupidity of people.

Even still, I’m not against motorcycles…I’ve often found myself longing for the freedom they enjoy. The same vulnerability that puts you so horribly in harms way, also allows you to experience and feel the open air…I can understand the appeal, and the liberating nature of the ride. It is only now from my recent loss I question the equality of the trade off.

I don’t think cars should be made with an 80mph limit. Just the same as I don’t believe everybody should stop riding a motorcycle. I am a rather fast driver. Not in school zones, or around corners…but I tell you what I get where I need to go and in a hurry.

Name me anybody that can drive 80mph down the I5 without going insane. I had soccer moms in mini vans passing me when I was pushing 95. When I see open road for miles and tumbleweeds… I’m going 100. The problem is, things are up to human judgement, and some people … rain, sleet or snow, are devoid of brain. No help for it. All you can do is keep on your game and be aware and on the defense out there, if you’re not, you’ll be sorry.

They recently made it illegal in New York to wear Ipods on the street, because so many pedestrians are taken by surprise and getting the hood launch. Ridiculous. If you need to watch Ghost while crossing the street perhaps you should become one.

Wake up and pay attention. Accidents happen, and sometimes even among the most alert and astute, you meet your end. No reason to strangle freedom.

107

I drive 65-75, mostly because I like the idea of getting good mpg, not for the money savings, it’s more of a game for me. Also, I try to make it so I’m not in a rush when going anywhere. I rarely go past 1/4 throttle, although I don’t poke it on side roads either. I usually take corners fast. Just think smooth and efficient.

I don’t think there should be any speed governers. Everyone simply just needs to use good judgement. If that happened, we would all be fine, and people would have their freedom.

108

[quote]Molotov_Coktease wrote:

I went to a funeral last weekend for a very good friend of mine, he was 39… had a Harley, and dumped it on a freeway offramp. He wasn’t drinking, nor was he an inexperienced rider. He may not have even died if it hadn’t been for roadwork equipment, he did all the right things and got an unlucky break. I’ve been a bit down for it.

Today on my way home from work I just had to pass an accident scene, and see a motorcyclist immobilized in the midst of being resuscitated. Today was a beautiful day, and when the sun shines, the motorcycles flock… and there they go down the middle section, trusting no idiot will make a sudden lane change and snuff their lives in seconds flat. Baffling to me really considering the unpredictable stupidity of people.[/quote]

No offense, but I can’t stand people who do this. I am hit all day long with people telling me stories of some guy they knew who got in an accident if they ever find out I ride a motorcycle. Not only is it rude and intrusive, but people who do this somehow feel they are the first person to do so.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/copbriefs/entries/2007.02.16.136641.html
http://bendigo.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id=556095&category=general
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0217/breaking10.htm
http://www.nbc5.com/news/11039286/detail.html
http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/OPINION03/702170327/1014/OPINION
http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=13747
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2007/02/17/ap/sports/college/d8n936do1.txt
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_021607_news_pregnant_crash_.7e658e1.html

Those are all car wrecks reported over just the last day or the past week. I suggest you bring this up EVERY TIME you talk to someone who drives a car. That would be the only rational thing to do. I didn’t even have to look hard for those.

People who drive cars yet think they are safe…so safe that they can tell people who ride motorcycles how unsafe they are on a regular basis simply because they ride, are idiots, plain and simple.

109

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
Prof,

You’re a huge muscular guy, no doubt. Instead of the cycle, why not try MMA for your ‘nirvana’?

I’m simply asking and not trying to flame you. I get way more hyped from sparring than I do from driving.

Hell, lay an elbow on some dude’s face and pretend its me! Might save some kid’s life…

You have obviously never owned a motorcycle. It is nothing like driving a car. I can’t stand driving. Riding on the other hand is a completely different experience. Your false concern for some imaginary kid who plays on interstates is getting old quick.

You are beginning to sound like a politician exclaiming we should, “save the children!”. It is funny how saving all of these children always takes away more freedoms from adults whether they have kids or not. I suppose your proposed 70mph speed limit will save lives left and right…because it is “speed” alone that kills…not drunk driving, stupid driving, old people driving, or anything like that…just speed.

I’m simply in favor of people having their fun w/o hurting anyone else. Can’t you use a little imagination and find something where only you are put at risk?

People do stupid things. I suppose a drunk or cracked out idiot driving 80 is pretty dangerous. Why give 'em the capacity to go faster?

Sidenote: Funny how you had all this concern for the victims of Katrina but little concern for people right around you, while you achieve Nirvana. At least be consistent in being uncaring.

You are a flaming idiot but we all know that by now. Let’s see, REAL victims of Katrina vs some imaginary kid that likes to play on interstates that you made up to act as if simply because I admit to have gone fast in the past that this means I drive over children. Gee, I wonder which one deserves more attention.[/quote]

Did you state that you played with your toy on interstates? Sorry if I missed that…But wait…if you’re on the interstate, then there IS a ‘kid that likes to play on interstates’ (your words).

While in your state of Nirvana, as you describe it, are you completely aware of your surroundings, like the truck that’s broken down over there, or the car doing 70 mph in your path? Just curious…

For all your education Professor, you seem a little twerpy…

110

[quote]Bujo wrote:

If you really want to save the children just advocate to have fool-proof Breathalizers installed in all vehicles.

[/quote]

Absolutely! If cars had a top speed of 80 and couldn’t be started by someone reeking of alcohol, there’d be one hell of a lot of tragedies avoided.

The same people who rant on about the war though, oppose the above 2 measures. Add up the people killed by drunk drivers and speeders, and compare with the soldiers killed in the war.

What a wierd fucking culture…

111

[quote]Professor X wrote:
sk8tgurl wrote:
It’s fun to take my Jetta up to 115 on a country road where you can see miles in front of you and nothing but cows…I don’t want anyone putting a damn governor on my car thanks.

But what about THE CHILDREN??? They could be playing in the road…or riding cows!!! Or…or what if you killed a cow and…and then I couldn’t eat any beef for a week!? Uhp, I mean, THE CHILDREN couldn’t eat beef for a week! They would starve from lack of beef all because of YOU!! Can’t everyone just become MMA wannabes like the rest of the high school kids on this board?!!

[/quote]

Wow, Prof, this has you all excited! Have you come close to running down some kid? Feeling guilty that someone almost died because you’re in dreamland-Nirvana? Just curious…

112

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

Did you state that you played with your toy on interstates? Sorry if I missed that…But wait…if you’re on the interstate, then there IS a ‘kid that likes to play on interstates’ (your words).

While in your state of Nirvana, as you describe it, are you completely aware of your surroundings, like the truck that’s broken down over there, or the car doing 70 mph in your path? Just curious…

For all your education Professor, you seem a little twerpy…[/quote]

My toy? My toy is a vehicle. Thinking like yours is why anyone on a motorcycle has to deal with halfwits in SUV’s who act like they own the road and anything smaller than them doesn’t qualify. You claim to be a teacher.

As usual, I fear for your students’ future. The average person on a motorcycle is much more aware of their surroundings than the guy trying to change CD’s in his cd player while driving with one knee and using his free hand to check his hair in the rear view mirror of his Acura. Most people drive cars like they are in a lounge chair watching tv.

You might want to remove yourself from your Department of Transportation approved high chair before you hurt yourself.

113

If you put a speed limiter on the cars your only fixing the symptom and not the problem. When the kids figure out how to take it out what then, make wrenches illegal. In fact some cars are governed and I know there are people already who can remove that little problem.

I’m all for things like breathalizers in every car in america. Government regulated safety standards and crash tests. Those actually contribute to fixing the problem, not a symptom.

You’re view on this issue is retarded. Not only are you not doing anything about the problem yourself, but you are complaining to someone else to fix the problem for you, and that is what children do.

114

[quote]Professor X wrote:
I am hit all day long with people telling me stories of some guy they knew who got in an accident if they ever find out I ride a motorcycle. Not only is it rude and intrusive, but people who do this somehow feel they are the first person to do so.

[/quote]

My cousin was in a motorcycle gang for many years. He’s broken just about every bone in his body. I’m sure lots of car drivers will say the same thing (sarcasm).

Was I ‘rude and intrusive’ enough, Prof?

115

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Professor X wrote:
I am hit all day long with people telling me stories of some guy they knew who got in an accident if they ever find out I ride a motorcycle. Not only is it rude and intrusive, but people who do this somehow feel they are the first person to do so.

My cousin was in a motorcycle gang for many years. He’s broken just about every bone in his body. I’m sure lots of car drivers will say the same thing (sarcasm).

Was I ‘rude and intrusive’ enough, Prof?

[/quote]

If your cousin was in a one percenter gang, then it’s no surprise the motherfucker has broken every bone- he’s driven that bike fucked up on everything from booze to queludes.

Most bikers don’t do this, and I know several that haven’t had accidents though they’ve road for years. It’s like anything else- don’t be a jerkoff and tempt the fates, and your string probably won’t be cut.

Unless a five year old runs out into the middle of Rte. 80, in which case we’re fucked. Come on HH. Ridiculous, again.

116

Cars are made to go over 80 mph so that we can drive 80 mph without redlining the car.

I mean if you’re gonna need to lift 100 pound boxes on a regular basis, would you train such that 100 pounds is all you can lift?

117

I’m incapable of driving slow…I get annoyed when people drive slow. As Ricky Bobby said (Talladega Nights)
“I wanna go FAST!”

Besides, I have a rockin car ('07 BMW328i coupe). It would be a sin to drive like a grandma.

Conserve gas? Money? Whatever. I pay into social security that I’ll never see so why not have fun and enjoy myself now.

SPEED is my VICE!

118

[quote]FightinIrish26 wrote:
It’s like anything else- don’t be a jerkoff and tempt the fates, and your string probably won’t be cut.
[/quote]

Don’t you DARE try to make any sense in this thread.

119

A funny thing happened on the way to the hospital, a friend of mine was having trouble breathing so I put on my emergency flashers and was trying to speed through traffic. I swear every car had an objection to me passing them. The only way you can speed through traffic is to have a bubble gum machine on top of your car

And a response to Head Hunter I can not speak for every one but when I speed I do it with as much courtesy and safety as possible

120

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
To get there faster.[/quote]

Yes, but not with an American car, those things are only usefull when
driving a straight line.
On the German Autobahn for instance,
I drive my M5 at top speed easily.
You just have got to get used to it.