Quote:
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.
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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.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqxbmOK3dwc"] - YouTube[/ame]
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