A Very Scary Mix

[Dagabond]

Power although it can be used in the equation ultimately isnt the problem, it's the inability of the driver to react to the situation that causes most of the problems. You can get just as out of shape in a 1989 Datsun Patrol as any performance car you care to mention...

Education and a re-shaping of the current licencing system will go a lot further than any restrictions imposed on the masses....

Speed doesnt kill people it's the sudden stop that kills....

[bloosted]

this is prolly what happens

Edited 20/05/07 12:48 AM by bloosted

[Dagabond]

Vik's Photobucket account what happened!!

[dule]

As much as I agree with the "performance car license" idea I am afraid it will probably never become a reality. Even though this would require people to go through strict training and testing and make them better drivers in the process, the government would never jump on board.

Why?

Well because having a performance car and performance car license would justify many things at the moment considered illegal to become acceptable (in a way). You have a performance car and the government has given you a performance license to drive on the street, which means you are expected to drive a "little" faster then other people on the street or maybe on a deserted stretch of road which ever it might be. At present you would be breaking the law by doing this, so they would have to soften up on few things for these "performance car license" drivers can anyone see this happening anywhere in our lifetime?

I hope I am wrong.

Anyway sorry for bordering you, I hope you understand what I am trying to say.

I agree with most of the posts here, something should be done on this topic, and it should be done on the national level.

Driving lessons that would concentrate on driving and not reverse parking and by driving I don't think making sure you don't over step the speed limit by 3 KM/h or that you wait for 3 seconds on a stop sign.

Mandatory driver training sounds good.

And why doesn't the government do something to let people drag race legally on a drag strip on a Saturday night? Wouldn't it be cheaper and safer then having 50 patrol cars circling Sydney looking for illegal street racing. I'm sure something could be worked out.

The government should start thinking outside the box, tougher penalties don't resolve everything.

By the way I do agree that power + inexperience kills.

And I would really like to see a forum organized driver training course, I will be sure to attend.

[XR06T]

rather than having a performance car test shouldn't everyone be taught to drive any car in any situation? I mean you get your licence in a sh*tter and can then drive any car you like (in wa)..

more driver training is the most logical answer that I can come up with..

[C.S.I]

I myself can also attest to the fact that is doesnt take a whole lot to get one of these cars out of control, especially once modified. I wrote mine off at the age of 40+. Too much boost in an Auto in the wet = Disaster coming your way.

Luckily (and that's all it was), no-one was hurt. But I am basically sh!t scared in the wet every time I drive now.

One moment if inattention or d!ickheadedness is enough.

These cars must be given the respect they deserve.

[tmac450]

  dule said:

As much as I agree with the "performance car license" idea

For obvious reasons, it would not be a performance car licence, but a tiered system similar to trucks. You could be an A level driver and be cleared to drive cars up to a certain power to weight ratio, no modifications.

B level a higher power to weight, no mods, etc. Up until an open class level where as long as the car is legal then you'r clear to drive it. Sub levels should also be added for front, rear and all wheel drive as well as specalised 4WD tesing.

Across the board generic training is not the answer (although a much better system to what we currently have) because some direver will never be capable of handling all types of cars. Governments should be happy because it will mean more licencing fees, etc.

The answers are there, but pollies see blaming speed and draconian fining a much lazier and money raking prospect. Safety has nothing to do with it.

[AzMahoony]

  XR06T said:

rather than having a performance car test shouldn't everyone be taught to drive any car in any situation? I mean you get your licence in a sh*tter and can then drive any car you like (in wa)..

more driver training is the most logical answer that I can come up with..

Agreed, it's stupid.. you learn in a little 4 cylinder bubble car and for some reason if you pass the test in this little half a car peice of crap you are just able to drive any car you want, I did my test in my EL xr6 becuase I wanted to be cool

Driving training courses should become mandatory, when I bought my new car I got a free day course from ford.

[nang3]

  hiddeous said:

At the risk of starting an age related sh*t fight....At 18 I THOUGHT I could drive....now at 27 I KNOW I couldn't...that's all im going to say......

mwahaha totally agree !!! when I was 15 and used to 'borrow' my mums car at 3am I thought I could drive.

Then when I was 17-18 I thought I could drive...

Now that im 29 I know that both at 15 and 17 I couldnt drive and il prolly think the same in another 10 years haha

[coach3062]

Graded licences, driver training, restricted access to powerful cars etc are only a very small part of the problem.

Some drivers at 19 are capable of controlling a powerful car/bike and are very talented and gifted, witness many young racing drivers/riders currently competing.

The real problem is maturity and attitude. You can train and talk till the cows come home, but if the individual is distracted by peers, a natural showoff, a risk taker, drunk or just plain stupid no amount of preparation will save him/her. They may be able to control the vehicle UNTIL the unexpected happens.

Accidents are usually not caused by just one factor, they result from more than one event/action combining to catch the driver out. Ie; alcohol+rain+in a hurry or showing off + speeding + another vehicle appearing out of nowhere etc.

You can reduce these incidents by training but never eliminate them.

I wish I had the answer, my 19 year old son just lost his licence for 3 years, no accidents no DUI's just speeding in the wrong place all the time. His car control was good, concerntration good, judgement good but no brains! He needs to get the bug out of his system before he gets back on the road.

I don't believe you can legislate for this, the system is black and white with no test for psychological aptitude.

Please let me know when you have the answer. Thanks