Hard Lesson Learned

[Sleeper6T]

I've been thinking long and hard about whether to share this information, due to the fact I have levels of disappointment and embarassment within myself, however as I swallow my pride I realise there is a greater good and bigger picture to convey to others.

Late last year I had an incident in which I exceeded the speed limit. Knowing I had exceeded the limit by a substantial amount and was dreading what kind of fine I would recieve, it was not until mid January until I found out not only how much I had gone over but what I was about to go through.

I came home from work to find a Police Car in my driveway, and after a couple minutes of discussions confirming who I was, if I was the sole driver of the car and some other details, I was informed that I was being charged under the hoon law. I was shown paperwork that showed the details of the offence including multiple photo's, and a date and time in which I was to surrender my car for a 48 hour period.

After further discussions with the constable, he then informed me that I would recieve court papers in the mail telling me when and where I would need to appear in court, and that the actual charge against me would be outlined.

Between then and when the court papers arrived my life went on hold, I had to cancel holidays and other events I had planned, as they were plans that involved the car, and I could not commit to things that others were planning.

From there I was able to contact a Solicitor who specialises in this very type of offence, and began discussions with him about the incident, the possible penalties, my driving history, and other personal details.

After one discussion the Solicitor informed me that the week prior he had seen a guy in his mid 20's (few years younger than me) recieve 4 months Jail $2000 fine and 3 years loss of license for doing less than what I was. I went in a downward spiral of depression with so many things going through my head, I didnt know what to do, say or who to turn to.

I then started to plan for the inevitable. I knew that I would lose my license, so I started looking at public transport options, looking at getting back on the pushy and getting prices on bikes etc.

I also had to inform work and keep them informed at the progress of things, which was the point in which I was facing imprisonment. It's a very surreal experience looking into the eyes of your bosses and telling them that there is a possibility you could be going to jail.

To fast forward to present day and not lose the point of this post, I have just recently began an 18 month cancellation of my license, (which means I will have to go for my license again) paid over $2000 in Solicitor fee's and a further $800 fine plus the $160 impound fine. I have recieved imense help and support from those around me which has helped me get through the whole process, and the biggest lesson I have learned coming out of this is that I could have been facing either much more serious charges such as culpable driving, or reckless driving from seriously injuring or even killing someone, or that my family could have spent the last 7 months mourning the loss of their, son, brother & friend.

I love these cars with a passion and I have not decided whether to even sell it or not, but I have learned a very hard lesson about responsibility and being accountable for your actions. The amazing high that driving these cars can give you can be taken away in a few seconds of stupidity and ignorance that at the time allowed me to forget the many possibilities that could of happened.

There is nobody else to shift blame for what I did and as such I will 'do my time' so to speak. I realise that this maybe a long and in depth post to take in but I wanted to give some of the specific experiences that I have, and am going through in the hope that the next time you are out and decide to put your foot down, you might just remember my rant and think twice.

Thanks all for reading.

Brad

[XR6TWolf]

Wow dude, a pretty rough time.

You stuck your hand in the air and took ownership for your actions and for that....full credit to you.

[tab]

Brad take a bow. What you have posted takes incredible courage...so thanks very much

We all f*ck up from time to time so there's nothing to be ashamed of, but like you mentioned hopefully we can all learn from this. These things are awesome to drive but it doesn't take much to get in to dangerous territory.

Trent.

[ZAP]

Well done on airing your experiences, so that hopefully others may learn from your experience.

Most of us would have done a similar speed in our driving, the difference is you got caught and faced the music.

I think it would have been disgusting if you had seen gaol time and glad you diddnt.

Glad to hear that you have taken it on the chin and learned from this incident, and will carry on with life wiser.

[Mjay]

good on you for taking accountability for your actions mate.. all part of growing and learning.. youre a better man because of it

[R-SPEC]

Well done Brad. We are all allowed one big mistake in our lives to learn the hardest lesson from. Some people learn, others don't. You've definately learnt from your mistake, now it's time to move on with life and make it what you want. I still wish there was something I could have done or said to you that day however at the same time it was just that; a big mistake.

Cheers mate

[Buf-Phoon]

Sleeper well said mate

Fact remains that these thing accelerate at such a rate ( particularly modded) you look down at the speedo

and are astonished at the speed.

Porsche/Ferrari/Lambo pulls alongside for a roll on with clear road conditions and visibility ahead. What do you do ?

Most here would have a chop. I've done it. But every time I boot it I'm getting closer to being nabbed.

That's why I don't hit it around Bathurst anymore. Can't afford to take the punt.

Even when driving up to Qld I give it a stab to overtake then look down at the speedo

For this reason I avoid the NE highway as I have been pulled over 3 times after an overtaking manouvre.

Twice let go. Just don't push it "too much" now.

Edit. Just before Cunninghmams Gap passed a car, went from 90ks to about ?. Got on the picks to scrub off some speed, come over the rise to see a gun on me .

Got a wave of the arm to slow down. Thank fark

Still do skids out the front of your Mums though

[Mat]

Mate, been in a pretty similiar situation (xxx kms over the speed limit) many years ago and while it sucks now (I lost a long term GF over it..), you'll realise in 18months just how hard it is to insure a car, the fact that if the police pull you over they still remind you about it etc etc etc. When I was pulled over the bloke I was racing (at least I was winning) started being a mouthy *beep* and tried to do a runner. I was told to sit down and STFU so I did, which helped me out in a massive way. Owe a lot to the bloke who bolted and the copper who I reckon was ready to belt me lol

What sunk home to me was the "time and place" rule (follow it and you'll be right and never annoy anyone or get caught playing silly buggers!!), mates who were interested in me for my car bailed and track days are cheap really .

Edited 01/08/09 10:05 AM by Mat

[qik1]

Dont feel too bad mate we've all done stuff/speeds in our cars that would have landed us in a similar situation but got lucky. Thanks for sharing your experience & it is sobering to think 'what if' something had of happened when we were doin stuff we shouldnt of.

[John_K]

Good write up Brad. Mate, it's a good thing you put that here to give the rest of us a warning of what happens when you get nabbed.

It's much more than just a slap on the wrist and a fine.

Guys, we all get the itchy right foot now and again.

Play it safe and if you feel the need for speed, take it to the track.