"Roads are not and shouldn't be a source of fun...
Discussion
...for people who want to drive fast".
A statement from this thread which has prompted a bit of debate between myself and long standing member Singlecoil over on SP&L..
In context:
Seriously.Are you sure the public roads are the right place for you?I would very much like to hear the opinions of other PHer regarding this statement. Agree? Disagree?
I am of the opinion (as witnessed in further posts in the thread) that it is absolutely possible to have fun through driving 'fast' (above the posted limits) on the public road without compromising safety. Context is key and speed is merely a factor in safe appropriate and competent driving. I would actually cite observation, awareness and anticipation as more important factors in maintaining safety.
So, I open the floor to the members of PH. What do you guys think?
A statement from this thread which has prompted a bit of debate between myself and long standing member Singlecoil over on SP&L..
In context:
singlecoil said:
g3org3y said:
singlecoil said:
Why do I post on these subjects, because I am sick and tired of people moaning and b
hing because they get caught exceeding speed limits. Speeding fines are a tax on stupidity or carelessness. Get up a bit earlier and then you won't need to speed. And if you want to drive your car fast, go to a track day. The roads are needed for people to get about the place, they are not and shouldn't be a source of fun for people who want to drive fast.
Are you genuinely sure Pistonheads is the right forum for you? hing because they get caught exceeding speed limits. Speeding fines are a tax on stupidity or carelessness. Get up a bit earlier and then you won't need to speed. And if you want to drive your car fast, go to a track day. The roads are needed for people to get about the place, they are not and shouldn't be a source of fun for people who want to drive fast.Seriously.
I am of the opinion (as witnessed in further posts in the thread) that it is absolutely possible to have fun through driving 'fast' (above the posted limits) on the public road without compromising safety. Context is key and speed is merely a factor in safe appropriate and competent driving. I would actually cite observation, awareness and anticipation as more important factors in maintaining safety.
So, I open the floor to the members of PH. What do you guys think?
Given the very high population density in the UK which is a small island I can see the argument that seriosly high speed should not be attempted on roads in the UK. I do think very crowded populations can reasonably apply activity rules on the basis of safety and reasonable use for everyone. Therefor I can see the essence of the argument.
Equally I think an argument could be extended to suggest that introducing dangerous driving hazards such as speed bumps and humps is highly unsafe and very likely to cause accidents to unsuspecting road users. I think this is an unreasonable and ineffective measure intended to reduce excessive speed which is dangerous and very undesirable.
As an owner of many kit cars and track cars and several road vehicles I enjoy driving as I wish. Whether this can include excessive speed is a moot point.
Which is more important the freedom of the individual or the safety of the general population? That surely is the basic question? Despite my personal love of building driving and competing and racing cars for over 50 years I do think safety will take precedence.
Equally I think an argument could be extended to suggest that introducing dangerous driving hazards such as speed bumps and humps is highly unsafe and very likely to cause accidents to unsuspecting road users. I think this is an unreasonable and ineffective measure intended to reduce excessive speed which is dangerous and very undesirable.
As an owner of many kit cars and track cars and several road vehicles I enjoy driving as I wish. Whether this can include excessive speed is a moot point.
Which is more important the freedom of the individual or the safety of the general population? That surely is the basic question? Despite my personal love of building driving and competing and racing cars for over 50 years I do think safety will take precedence.
I spent last Sunday up at the Evo triangle, the right road and at the right time can be and indeed is an excellent place to have fun. Did I go above the speed limit at times? Yes. And yet amazingly everyone else in the area also managed to go about their daily business including other cars that were up there doing the same thing I was doing and not one person I saw was on fire or dead.
I'd have to say no. I've slowed down a lot myself, so I'm not saying this as a bumbling ninny who does 40mph everywhere. Even with your careful observation, planning and driving talent you can not always account for someone else's stupidity. Whether that be leaving something in the road, or poor maintenance, oil spills, animals etc.
I know you can have problems on the track also, but I think having fun on the road is just too much hassle and if the worst should happen context won't come into, your speed will.
I know you can have problems on the track also, but I think having fun on the road is just too much hassle and if the worst should happen context won't come into, your speed will.
Roads are DEFINITELY a source of fun, under the right conditions/circumstances.
Early morning B-road blasts can be very enjoyable. I am fortunate enough to spend my working life driving round visiting farms, so spend a lot of time on pretty empty, enjoyable, and sometimes challenging roads.
What (I believe) leads to trouble is that many modern cars are just so well-sorted that you need to be going at higher speed to get that sense of excitement.
I have the most fun in one of my classics (Mini Cooper/Sunbeam Alpine/Alfa Spider), at a slower speed. I've recently bought an Alfa 155 Q4, which is absolutely great fun, but I find myself driving much faster on the same roads.
I have the most fun in the Sunbeam - it has great handling and skinny 155 profile tyres make it very easy to get the back end out at little more than walking pace
Early morning B-road blasts can be very enjoyable. I am fortunate enough to spend my working life driving round visiting farms, so spend a lot of time on pretty empty, enjoyable, and sometimes challenging roads.
What (I believe) leads to trouble is that many modern cars are just so well-sorted that you need to be going at higher speed to get that sense of excitement.
I have the most fun in one of my classics (Mini Cooper/Sunbeam Alpine/Alfa Spider), at a slower speed. I've recently bought an Alfa 155 Q4, which is absolutely great fun, but I find myself driving much faster on the same roads.
I have the most fun in the Sunbeam - it has great handling and skinny 155 profile tyres make it very easy to get the back end out at little more than walking pace
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff