Wrecked FR-S Crash Already - Not Mine

[sdiver68]

Crashing is learning, and since it seems no one was physically hurt you've come away with a cheap lesson despite the damage to the car. Learn from your mistakes but don't beat yourself up over it! FYI, IMHO your biggest mistake was turning the nannies all the way off being so new to RWD on a public street. But of course you've now heard this advice several times now

Signed,
The veteran of several crashes when I was younger who also happens to be an ex-semipro road racer where crashing every now and then is just a part of the deal.

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by neutral

Hey everyone.

I'm the idiot that crashed the FR-S. Not really sure where to begin, so I'll start with how it happened.

I was on my way to lunch with a coworker. There's a right turn I've taken a million times over the past 4 years that's very wide and has huge visibility, and I would sometimes get on the gas a little in my B16-swapped CRX through the turn. I never went over the speed limit, and I only did it if there was absolutely no one else around. Being a FWD, the front tires would break free a little and it would make the turn a bit more fun. Well, before leaving work I decided it would be a good idea to turn off the traction control and try something similar in the FR-S. That was my first mistake. I entered the turn at about 20mph, and halfway through it I got on the gas and I honestly can't remember exactly what happened after that. I remember being extremely surprised and then all of a sudden I was careening for a telephone pole, and then bam. I don't even think I hit the brakes. I must've hit the clutch pedal at some point because the car was still running when I stopped. Both airbags deployed. My passenger said he didn't even touch the airbag, I grazed it a little bit and it felt like I got hit in the face with a soft pillow. I must've been going 15-20mph at the impact. I couldn't believe how much the car just crumpled. I just looked at it and sat on the ground. I can't even describe to you the feeling of seeing it like that. I just wanted to cry.

I'm 24 years old, been driving since 16, and this is my first accident/ticket. I was ticketed for "failure to maintain reasonable control", which honestly was extremely generous given the circumstances. I feel like the world's biggest idiot. I feel like I've shamed myself and done a huge disservice to the community. Sorry just doesn't say enough. I swore I wouldn't be one of those guys everyone was saying would do something stupid and wreck the car and drive up the insurance rates. Now I'm not only that guy, but it seems I'm the _first_ guy. Not exactly the best way to make an impression. I want you guys to know that I truly feel awful about the whole thing. I am truly sorry for letting my fellow FR-S owners down, and through making a complete ass out of myself, I feel I've learned a valuable lesson, albeit a hard one. I know some of you (a lot of you) will hate me, call me an idiot, tell me I shouldn't have even tried anything like that on a public road, etc. And I agree with you 100%. I made a stupid, stupid, irresponsible choice, and now I'm paying for it. I don't think any of you can hate me more than I hate myself.

I hope I can stand as an example of what can happen even at relatively low speeds when you're being stupid. Please for the love of god don't be me. Drive safe, keep traction control on on public roads, and don't try to be Ken Block. Unless you are Ken Block, in which case, keep being awesome.

I wonder when the NHTSA and IIHS are gonna test this car b/c that does not look like a 15-25mph collision. If it was, this is a pretty shitty built car as far as crashing is concerned.

I've been in 20 mph crash before and neither of the air bags deployed. Glad you're ok and only suffered from a bruised ego. Shit happens but if it's true with the speed vs impact, that's pretty sad.

Originally Posted by nix

"Wanna see a dri... oh shit"

Since he had a B16 CRX

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Crashing is learning, and since it seems no no one was physically hurt you've come away with a cheap lesson despite the damage to the car. Learn from your mistakes but don't beat yourself up over it! FYI, IMHO your biggest mistake was turning the nannies all the way off being so new to RWD on a public street. But of course you've now hear this advice several times now

Signed,
The veteran of several crashes when I was younger who also happens also to be an ex-semipro road racer where crashing every now and then is just a part of the deal.

Yep, throw it in the gutter and go buy another!

[Sleeperz]

Maybe 200Hp aint so bad after all. Look at what trouble 400+ HP can get you into, all within 8 and 36 hours.




http://www.mustangheaven.com/2012/dr...ip/#more-11604




http://www.mustangheaven.com/2012/lo...e-kids-inside/

[YukiHachiRoku]

You're not the first, and you will not be the last. When I was 19 I wrecked a 1993 twin turbo RX-7 at 90 mph and almost died (thank God the car impacted from on the rear from a 720*spin and crumpled like an acrodrion)

Thanks for stepping up to the plate and admitting what you did, as I could remember I did the same thing on the FD boards, and everyone was really sad, and nobody bitched about insurance rates, or talked shit by putting up stupid pics meant to make you feel even worse. In fact, they even helped me part out the rest of the car since the engine bay was mostly in tact! (and many condolences) I was in bed for a good week after that crash and was so devastated and depressed for a long time after.

Just take things in stride, and day to day. Your health is most important since you can always replace metal, and your mental ego will be back after some self realization. Any crash you can walk away from is a good one.

Just wanted to say 'thanks', and this thread is going to make me think twice about daily driving without all those controls, because lately I have been turing them off and have been getting a little ballsy.

[DubGUy]

Originally Posted by Gregory Gawaran

I will and have had Traction Control off since I got the car. That being said, I don't think anyone should be called out for choosing to turn it off. There are ALOT of cars on the road that don't even have the option installed. My fiance and her 91 MR2 for example, it doesn't even have ABS.

Just need to be responsible with the power you have in your hands. In my opinion you can't learn your car without knowing how it reacts with the safety off.


That being said, I am glad you are alright. Its your car, do as you please. No one here has the right to judge you. Just learn from your mistakes.

Didn't the AE86 (Sprinter Trueno) have no ABS either? And its still a popular car.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by neutral

Hey everyone.

I'm the idiot that crashed the FR-S. Not really sure where to begin, so I'll start with how it happened.

I was on my way to lunch with a coworker. There's a right turn I've taken a million times over the past 4 years that's very wide and has huge visibility, and I would sometimes get on the gas a little in my B16-swapped CRX through the turn. I never went over the speed limit, and I only did it if there was absolutely no one else around. Being a FWD, the front tires would break free a little and it would make the turn a bit more fun. Well, before leaving work I decided it would be a good idea to turn off the traction control and try something similar in the FR-S. That was my first mistake. I entered the turn at about 20mph, and halfway through it I got on the gas and I honestly can't remember exactly what happened after that. I remember being extremely surprised and then all of a sudden I was careening for a telephone pole, and then bam. I don't even think I hit the brakes. I must've hit the clutch pedal at some point because the car was still running when I stopped. Both airbags deployed. My passenger said he didn't even touch the airbag, I grazed it a little bit and it felt like I got hit in the face with a soft pillow. I must've been going 15-20mph at the impact. I couldn't believe how much the car just crumpled. I just looked at it and sat on the ground. I can't even describe to you the feeling of seeing it like that. I just wanted to cry.

I'm 24 years old, been driving since 16, and this is my first accident/ticket. I was ticketed for "failure to maintain reasonable control", which honestly was extremely generous given the circumstances. I feel like the world's biggest idiot. I feel like I've shamed myself and done a huge disservice to the community. Sorry just doesn't say enough. I swore I wouldn't be one of those guys everyone was saying would do something stupid and wreck the car and drive up the insurance rates. Now I'm not only that guy, but it seems I'm the _first_ guy. Not exactly the best way to make an impression. I want you guys to know that I truly feel awful about the whole thing. I am truly sorry for letting my fellow FR-S owners down, and through making a complete ass out of myself, I feel I've learned a valuable lesson, albeit a hard one. I know some of you (a lot of you) will hate me, call me an idiot, tell me I shouldn't have even tried anything like that on a public road, etc. And I agree with you 100%. I made a stupid, stupid, irresponsible choice, and now I'm paying for it. I don't think any of you can hate me more than I hate myself.

I hope I can stand as an example of what can happen even at relatively low speeds when you're being stupid. Please for the love of god don't be me. Drive safe, keep traction control on on public roads, and don't try to be Ken Block. Unless you are Ken Block, in which case, keep being awesome.

These things happen man, and sometimes they're hard expensive lessons. The important thing is both you AND your passenger walked away relatively uninjured. Materials are replaceable, people aren't. Like yourself I was taught a similar lesson in my old maxima albeit used I had just gotten the car a few months back and it damn near broke my heart but in the end I was glad I was alive to hopefully never have to learn the same lesson again. I'm glad you've learned yours like many many other people both on and off this forum have in the past or will in the future (and I hope they have the same luck you did to walk away in decent or better shape).

As terrible as it's making you feel don't beat yourself up too bad for it; you'll be a better person for it at the end of the day. As a matter of fact, because you had the stones to get on here and admit to what you did I can guarentee that the overwhelming majority of people respect you rather than hate you. Much respect man and you have my condolences; best of luck with your future vehicles.

[barney]

First off - way to man up neutral! I haven't read the whole thread through so forgive me if my opinion has already been expressed by others. I grew up on RWD my kids haven't. I've let them drive my roadster and their first impressions were how responsive (twitchy) it was - no ABS no TCS, no stability control. There is a whole generation (or two) of drivers that have no idea what a GOOD handling RWD car feels like. At the end of the day - you're OK- and that's what's important. Perhaps a little damaged in area of pride but we've all been there. I was involved in a wreck a few years ago - wasn't my fault - but what I remember most about it was the my conversation with the firefighter at the scene. He asked me what year my car was - I told him. He replied that it was in excellent shape and that I must have been pissed. I responded "no - its just a car - I'll get another..."

[mkxr]

Originally Posted by RRnold

I wonder when the NHTSA and IIHS are gonna test this car b/c that does not look like a 15-25mph collision. If it was, this is a pretty shitty built car as far as crashing is concerned.

Keep in mind that front end of the car met with a pole, instead of a wall or another car, so all of the force was concentrated in a smaller area. Physics is a bi**h sometimes,

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by neutral

Hey everyone.

I'm the idiot that crashed the FR-S. Not really sure where to begin, so I'll start with how it happened.

I was on my way to lunch with a coworker. There's a right turn I've taken a million times over the past 4 years that's very wide and has huge visibility, and I would sometimes get on the gas a little in my B16-swapped CRX through the turn. I never went over the speed limit, and I only did it if there was absolutely no one else around. Being a FWD, the front tires would break free a little and it would make the turn a bit more fun. Well, before leaving work I decided it would be a good idea to turn off the traction control and try something similar in the FR-S. That was my first mistake. I entered the turn at about 20mph, and halfway through it I got on the gas and I honestly can't remember exactly what happened after that. I remember being extremely surprised and then all of a sudden I was careening for a telephone pole, and then bam. I don't even think I hit the brakes. I must've hit the clutch pedal at some point because the car was still running when I stopped. Both airbags deployed. My passenger said he didn't even touch the airbag, I grazed it a little bit and it felt like I got hit in the face with a soft pillow. I must've been going 15-20mph at the impact. I couldn't believe how much the car just crumpled. I just looked at it and sat on the ground. I can't even describe to you the feeling of seeing it like that. I just wanted to cry.

I'm 24 years old, been driving since 16, and this is my first accident/ticket. I was ticketed for "failure to maintain reasonable control", which honestly was extremely generous given the circumstances. I feel like the world's biggest idiot. I feel like I've shamed myself and done a huge disservice to the community. Sorry just doesn't say enough. I swore I wouldn't be one of those guys everyone was saying would do something stupid and wreck the car and drive up the insurance rates. Now I'm not only that guy, but it seems I'm the _first_ guy. Not exactly the best way to make an impression. I want you guys to know that I truly feel awful about the whole thing. I am truly sorry for letting my fellow FR-S owners down, and through making a complete ass out of myself, I feel I've learned a valuable lesson, albeit a hard one. I know some of you (a lot of you) will hate me, call me an idiot, tell me I shouldn't have even tried anything like that on a public road, etc. And I agree with you 100%. I made a stupid, stupid, irresponsible choice, and now I'm paying for it. I don't think any of you can hate me more than I hate myself.

I hope I can stand as an example of what can happen even at relatively low speeds when you're being stupid. Please for the love of god don't be me. Drive safe, keep traction control on on public roads, and don't try to be Ken Block. Unless you are Ken Block, in which case, keep being awesome.

Hi Neutral,

relax, a car can be replaced. So good to hear that you are o.k.

I am not very concerned about you, as people like you, who understand their mistakes, will sure show a steep learning curve! I wrecked my fathers car many many years ago in the winter, and it helped my to become both, a careful and experienced sports driver. Because I want to be able to handle every situation in my car. And I don't want to wreck a car again.

I guess the pole that the car hit was standing at the INNER side of the corner, right? This would be typically for OVERsteer.
The main difference to FWD-understeer is, that you need to compensate it by active steering in the opposite direction.
This is - by the way - helpful, even if you never intend to drift or if you drive a FWD car, as it can happen to any car under certain circumstances.

See this little video from an Audi driver (yes, no RWD-BMW!), who get's surprised by oil on the road: the car oversteers! He reacts right by steering to the left, but he is a little too slow. When the car comes back to track he should quickly reduce the steering back to neutral, but he is a little to slow, too. Therefore the cars end swings over in the other side. Then the same again - until he finally manages to catch the car.

- YouTube

I would highly recommend to take time in next winter and look for a totally empty parking lot covered completely with snow and learn how to react on a rear axle loosing traction. This is at the same time learning how to drift a car - which is so much fun. And managing an oversteering car is absolutely necessary to become a good driver!
Actually I had written a little lecture how to take the first steps on snow - but unfortunately its all in German. (But I guess you don't speak German??)
Well, maybe someone here has something similar in English?

So, take it easy, shit happens. Start your way in a steep learning curve and become an experienced, careful, and very good driver!
ChrisH

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by mkxr

Keep in mind that front end of the car met with a pole, instead of a wall or another car, so all of the force was concentrated in a smaller area. Physics is a bi**h sometimes,

I agree, that's why it is so much more dangerous to hit a tree than another car.

[MrFRsLa]

"I'm rollin hard, now under control
then wrapped the EIGHTY 6 round a telephone pole
i looked at ma car and i said "oh brother"
i'll throw it in the gutter and go buy another" -Eazy E

[chulooz]

Glad to hear everyone's alright; sorry to hear that you had to learn a (RWD) lesson the hard way.

One thing; you've taken that corner a million times, how fast do you usually push it through there? (google maps?) Thats no 15mph bruise.

[Travis]

1st 86!.....wrecked....


On a more serious note stop being babies over turning traction control off. It is a performance car and people will drive them as they are designed to be driven. Props to neutral for manning up and accepting it. I guarantee you there will many more of these in near future

[reni]

Dear OP,

Please stick to FWD.

[DEC1]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

Hear that sound? It's all of our insurance premiums going up..

Let the first person who has NEVER done anything foolish or stupid cast the first stone...

That must be you Dionysus.

[jesseps]

Sucks that that happened. At least you are fine. This is my first RWD car also and I am never turning off the VSC/TRAC, until I learn how to properly handle the car. One thing, I am dreading is winter, I just hope the SNOW option on the FR-S does work properly.

[neutral]

Honestly, the negative comments don't bother me. I expected nothing but hate from this thread, so the fact that most of the comments seem to be coming from real humans is insanely uplifting for me. It's so easy for people to type hateful things from the safety of their computer monitors. I look forward to meeting some of you "real" people out there in the future. You guys are some seriously cool people. Thanks everyone...

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by mkxr

Keep in mind that front end of the car met with a pole, instead of a wall or another car, so all of the force was concentrated in a smaller area. Physics is a bi**h sometimes,

Yeah that's true and you can see the residue from the utility pole indicating where most of the impact occurred. I just saw a 40mph crash test so the amount of damage does make sense.

However, I still believe the FR-S/GT86 is a bit on the fragile side.

New86 turbo D1GP Crash Debut #lovecars #D1GP #drifting #GT86 #FR-S - YouTube

[Davyator]

Don't feel bad. It could have happened to anyone!

[fistpoint]

Originally Posted by YukiHachiRoku

You're not the first, and you will not be the last. When I was 19 I wrecked a 1993 twin turbo RX-7 at 90 mph and almost died (thank God the car impacted from on the rear from a 720*spin and crumpled like an acrodrion)

You don't realize how lucky you are. Just after high school there were a couple of guys 1 year ahead of me who went hauling ass around town in a '93 RX-7 while running from a cop.

They took a corner too fast, swiped a truck and spun out into a lightpole...the car burst into flames and burned both occupants to death. The parents of the cars owner sued the shit out of Mazda claiming it shouldn't have combusted as easily as it did.

[baldolera]

Originally Posted by RRnold

Yeah that's true and you can see the residue from the utility pole indicating where most of the impact occurred. I just saw a 40mph crash test so the amount of damage does make sense.

However, I still believe the FR-S/GT86 is a bit on the fragile side.

New86 turbo D1GP Crash Debut #lovecars #D1GP #drifting #GT86 #FR-S - YouTube

wow, I was NOT expecting all the rear left suspension to be broken! Yes it looks quite fragile...

[R8]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

As terrible as it's making you feel don't beat yourself up too bad for it; you'll be a better person for it at the end of the day. As a matter of fact, because you had the stones to get on here and admit to what you did I can guarentee that the overwhelming majority of people respect you rather than hate you.

Yup, this ^^^^

Can't say how I feel about the neutral before the accident, but the neutral who accepted responsibility for it, and who's decided to learn from it and move on as a wiser, matured soul... kudos to you

I just hope there isn't going to be a flood of people having this experience. It's a scary combination: a car deliberately undertired to feel "lively," tuned to oversteer easily, and reviews and marketing which encourage people to drift it.