Test Drive Accident
Discussion
I dont think we should speculate further regarding fault in this case as no-one here is really yet sure of the exact events that led upto this tragedy.
It was deeply saddening to hear about Toby. I'm sure he will be sorely missed - at work and at home.
I think we should also give some thought to the poor driver (and his family) who I understand is still in a critical state.
Absolutely shocked.
He was one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Always came over to say hello and had time for a chat whenever I met him.
Knew him since he started at TMS.
Sold me my Tuscan.
He phoned me a couple of weeks ago at work to offer me a test drive in TMSs new Sagaris.
Terrible news.
Terrible news, very shocking. I found this short article on iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk, which I presume is the accident in question.
Woman held after fatal three-car crash Apr 4 2005
A woman has been arrested after a 25-year-old motorist died following a three-car collision in Coventry, police have said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in Rowley Road on Saturday afternoon.
Two other people were taken to a city hospital where they were treated for their injuries.
West Midlands Police said a 21-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The road remained closed overnight while collision investigators examined the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened shortly before 9pm, is asked to contact police.
Woman held after fatal three-car crash Apr 4 2005
A woman has been arrested after a 25-year-old motorist died following a three-car collision in Coventry, police have said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in Rowley Road on Saturday afternoon.
Two other people were taken to a city hospital where they were treated for their injuries.
West Midlands Police said a 21-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The road remained closed overnight while collision investigators examined the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened shortly before 9pm, is asked to contact police.
Just like to add my condolences to all involved. Toby was a great guy and always had time for you.
Here is the Leicester Mercury's story:
www.leicestermercury.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132683&command=displayContent&sourceNode=132377&contentPK=12160440
Here is the Leicester Mercury's story:
www.leicestermercury.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132683&command=displayContent&sourceNode=132377&contentPK=12160440
Horrendous and very sobering. Thanks for posting the article, it puts a stop to any pointless and insensitive speculation.
I hope this thread is read by anyone who was planning to go and give a dealer's demo car a good 'ragging' or equivalent.
No matter who you are you cannot push the limits of a properly quick car the moment you get in one, especially on the public road. It takes time to learn about how a fast car handles and operates. Leave the heroics to the dealers who know the cars. Remember even F1 drivers write off road cars when they overstep the mark (Pizzonia in the Jaguar S type - the journalist was lucky to get out alive). So what chance do us mortals have?
Of course it might not have been a the test driver's fault but I only say this because this sort of story is not nearly rare enough when it comes to test drives of high performance cars.
I'll be the first to admit to getting carried away on the road and for driving too fast too often. But there's a time and place where the risks are much reduced and I don't think a test drive, in a car you've never driven before, is it.
I hope this thread is read by anyone who was planning to go and give a dealer's demo car a good 'ragging' or equivalent.
No matter who you are you cannot push the limits of a properly quick car the moment you get in one, especially on the public road. It takes time to learn about how a fast car handles and operates. Leave the heroics to the dealers who know the cars. Remember even F1 drivers write off road cars when they overstep the mark (Pizzonia in the Jaguar S type - the journalist was lucky to get out alive). So what chance do us mortals have?
Of course it might not have been a the test driver's fault but I only say this because this sort of story is not nearly rare enough when it comes to test drives of high performance cars.
I'll be the first to admit to getting carried away on the road and for driving too fast too often. But there's a time and place where the risks are much reduced and I don't think a test drive, in a car you've never driven before, is it.
I had no idea of Toby's tragic death until I arrived at TMS this morning. Unknowingly, I'd passed the scene of the accident on the way, I saw a post and some flowers laid at the side of the road and mentally noted how fresh they were. Obviously the mood at TMS is very sombre and my sincerest heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and colleagues.
Suffice to say, my drive back past the scene was tinged with great sadness. Toby was a great guy in a team of great people.
May he find the peace he deserves.
Pete
Suffice to say, my drive back past the scene was tinged with great sadness. Toby was a great guy in a team of great people.
May he find the peace he deserves.
Pete
Truely sad news indeed and a sobering reality check for all drivers no matter what they drive.
Unfortunately there are a number of dealers who have had cars involved in accidents (mostly non fatal luckily) when on test drives recently. One dealer only mentioned it to me the other day.
Perhaps they should install limiters of somesort or dual controls to all demonstrators in order to minimise the risk.
Unfortunately you cannot minimise the risk of someone esle causing an accident. The general driving ability in the UK seems to have dropped severely over the years.
RIP Toby
Unfortunately there are a number of dealers who have had cars involved in accidents (mostly non fatal luckily) when on test drives recently. One dealer only mentioned it to me the other day.
Perhaps they should install limiters of somesort or dual controls to all demonstrators in order to minimise the risk.
Unfortunately you cannot minimise the risk of someone esle causing an accident. The general driving ability in the UK seems to have dropped severely over the years.
RIP Toby
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