How do you deal with the harsh realities of the danger of cars?

"McChiken116 - Patrick H." (mcchiken116) 12/21/2014 at 15:32 • Filed to: None

2

24

I saw the aftermath of a fatal accident at the intersection by my apartment the other night. Passenger gently slumped over. No blood, no gore. Just peaceful, but something was off. I use that intersection almost every day, and here it was, with a head on collision, one dead, one drunk, one truck, one car. That just brought me back to realizing the danger most of us forget about our hobby. Cars, as safe as they have become, are still two ton machines hurtling around at speed. Anyone who has even a loose grasp of physics can tell you how dangerous that recipe can become if it all goes wrong. This close to the holidays, I am rattled, it could have been me. I am more nervous than even after my accident two years ago, and I have to drive 3 hours tomorrow. This will be in my mind the entire time, and I think for the first time in a while, the grim reality of the less savory possibilities of driving will be a specter over my trip home, instead of the joy of a road trip.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:38

0

It definitely bothers me. Safety was a consideration for me when I bought my car, although it didn't dictate my choice (there was a much safer car in my price range that I just plain didn't like). I've been bothering my girlfriend to upgrade her car since it's crash safety is terrible and I worry when she drives long distance alone. It also makes me a more attentive driver because it is on my mind sometimes, especially when I see a close call which happens often.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:38

4

Kind of a morbid thing, but something is going to get you. There is no way around it. There are worse ways to die than not seeing what hit you. I'd kind of rather have that. Not even know it. Beats a long drawn out death.

Hi there > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:38

3

Every time I see such it reminds me why I drive nimble cars on grippy tires and makes me thankful for my excellent visual acuity. Sometimes even the best equipment and awareness still cannot help you, but so far it's worked for me :-/

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:40

4

Agrajag > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:41

1

I don't worry about it. You can do as much as possible to minimize risk, but in the end it will be that piano that gets you.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 12/21/2014 at 15:43

0

As a city driver, close calls aren't an if, it's a when, so I totally get that. I have been more attentive to visibility and how many times I swivel the head to check my blind spots. Having a convertible is actually making me feel safer because if the top is down I can see everything around me. Trade off of rollover safety, but if I'm already in that position, I'm in big trouble regardless.

Arben72 > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:43

1

Sometimes you just have to ignore it. You shouldn't let it cloud your mind while driving. Yet at the same time it makes you realize life is held up by a thread, and we need to protect ourselves. Seeing something morbid refreshes your outlook, but it shouldn't hold you back from enjoying your life and hobbies. If you need to talk, we're all here.

Viggen > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:44

0

I dealt with it by accepting that the possibility exists and made peace of mind with it. You have to accept that death can happen at any time. Disease, terrorism, car accident, or simply bad luck.

When I was young, I saw a Tahoe get cut off on the highway and crash into the median. Seeing something as big as a Tahoe roll 20 feet in the air was fairly eye opening. First time I drove home from vacation on my own (same vacation spot and route as when I saw that Tahoe), I saw the end result of a motorcycle crash. Lifeless bodies, skin turning a greyish yellow from bruising. I sure as hell didn't sleep well that night.

In driver's education, we watched a little video called Red Asphalt. I think that opened up some people's eyes to just what can happen.

The Transporter > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:48

2

Only concentrate on the variables directly under your control. Specifically, you and your car. If you try to worry about every bad thing that might or might not happen you'll drive yourself mad.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:50

0

I'm getting more and more aware of what's around me as I get more experience (I haven't been driving long). My car's visibility is really good so that helps.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 12/21/2014 at 15:52

0

Just curious, what was the safer car that you did not get?

ly2v8-Brian > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:52

0

That's a tough one, you just can't dwell on it. There are many potential things that may lead to your untimely demise everyday.

scoob > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:54

0

I only drive with a permit but I see so much crap that it makes me wonder why I like cars and driving. But then I remember it's the idiots on the road that text, use their steering-wheel iPad mounts, clip their toenails, drink, and read a newspaper all while driving that make me anxious.

I guess you just can't avoid that stuff. Maybe invest in a dashcam or 6, buy a safer car, or don't go outside at all. Actually, one of the idiots I mentioned above might crash into your house while you are in it. NO WHERE IS SAFE.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 12/21/2014 at 15:56

1

Renault Clio was in my price range and has a 5/5 star safety rating. Mine only has 3/5 but is still better than what many people drive. The Renault was heavier, slower and I would've had to get a higher mileage example to be able to afford it and honestly it just didn't feel right for me when I looked at one.

 > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:57

2

Ignorance.

Steve in Manhattan > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 15:58

0

When I was about 7 years old, I saw the aftermath of a single-car accident on our street. The woman took the corner too fast, struck a utility pole, and went through the windshield. There was a lot of blood, she wasn't moving, and a neighbor lady pushed the smaller kids, including me, into her house so we didn't have to watch.

If you have to drive, realize that you can stop. I drive maybe 3 times a year now because I live in the city. I no longer try to "make good time" - I just try to get there. If there's a rest stop, I don't go "HAVE TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT ONE!" I just stop. Don't know if you have someone you can split the driving with, but that's another possibility. And buckle up.

Steve in Manhattan > scoob 12/21/2014 at 16:05

1

I live on the 9th floor, safe from crazy taxi drivers and sea level rise. Still, a crane could fall on the building.

PlasteredClover > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:10

0

I was almost hit by a drunk driver coming straight at me on a highway on ramp. It's definitely a clarifying moment when you almost get in a head on collision, it made me a safer driver for sure.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:19

0

Well here are some thoughts:

1. Drive in the right lane. Treat the left lane as a temporary/passing lane. You're much less likely to have a head on collision when doing that.

1.5. Drive behind a large truck (with a safe distance back). Anyone driving the wrong way or going in front will be hit by the truck instead of you.

2. Most people delude themselves into thinking that collisions are things that happen mostly to other people. You can delude yourself too!

3. The guy in Pink Floyd's Great Gig in the Sky says... "I am not afraid to die. Any time would do, I don't mind (woman's whisper: 'If you can hear this whisper, you are already dying'). Why should I be afraid to die? There's no reason for it. You've got to go sometime."

4. Driving at night is statistically much more dangerous on a per mile driven basis that driving during the day. So try not to drive at night... or when it snows. But when it snows, speeds are much lower and thus, a collision is much less likely to kill you.

5. Dying quickly in a collision is better than a slow, agonizing death from something like cancer.

Tohru > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:38

0

The drunk assholes are always the ones that survive. Which is why I wish drunk driving laws were much more strict so they'd live to face actual justice and not just a slap on the wrist.

Source: I live in Wisconsin. First offense OWI is a traffic offense with no jail time, 2nd and 3rd are misdemeanors, 4th and up are felonies.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/docs/ow…

CRider > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:38

0

There is always a way

Dusty Ventures > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:38

2

Thanks to growing up and working in a funeral home I had to come to terms with what could happen rather early. My way of handling it has been to drive a safe car, be the best driver I can be (always be aware of my situation and ready to react), and just hope today isn't my day. That's really all you can do.

To go off on a tangent, this reminds me of a discussion a bunch of us had at the Mt Washington Hill Climb. Usually at a rally you're able to ignore the dangers because you "have faith in all the safety gear," but at Mt Washington there were a lot of spots where we knew if we went off we would die, no exceptions. So while waiting around for runs to start a few of us ended up talking about what we'd do in those final seconds. A few said scream, one said "invent a new swear," and another driver/co-driver pair revealed they'd already agreed to a handshake. I said my plan was to punch my driver. It was interesting though, because it showed we'd all thought about it, even though at most races it never crosses our minds.

Funktheduck > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 16:46

0

I drive a lot and think about this often. I've seen the aftermath of 2 fatal accidents this year. The only thing I can do is be the best, most attentive driver I can be. If I matched the attentiveness of those around me I'd probably be dead or at least have been in a lot of accidents.

yamahog > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 12/21/2014 at 18:16

0

With motorcycling, I take all the precautions I can, ride as defensively as I can, and yet I am totally comfortable with my own mortality. We're all going to die one day, might as well be doing something I love.

Having a big metal cage around me and a Jeep that doesn't see more than 70mph on the highway is very reassuring, but on my 10hr drive back to NY for the holidays, I'd trade that for a little more fun. Have a safe drive.