Jim,
Absolute proof that brilliant minds think alike ;)!!!
A few years back, after several kids (all of whom I knew well), from our
small, rural community were killed in car crashes, I contacted one of my
Porsche 356 buddies (who makes his living instructing professional
racing drivers on how to go faster, as well as teaching cops how to
drive fast, safely) about the possibility of developing some sort of
program for our local school district.
During our meetings with school officials, one of the things my friend
stressed was that, in an emergency driving situation, EVERYBODY resorts
to HABIT vs. what they've been "taught" to do. If a driver does not
learn and develop good, safe habits (and, the younger the driver, the
easier it is to cultivate safe "habits". These habits include recovery
of control, as well as emergency, evasive maneuvers, among numerous,
other car-handling techniques.
Bottom line is: if you haven't yet learned/developed/practiced the
driving "habits" that will save your sorry butt, it is going to be a
VERY uphill battle for you. Impossible? No, but turning the correct
emergency automotive control responses into "habits" is going to require
lots and lots of practice and repetition. The vast majority of our
"driving public" hasn't got the time, resources (physical & monetary) or
interest to develop and nurture those habits. Therefore, it will
continue to be a very dangerous world, "out there", particularly for
motorcyclists and Spridget drivers.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Jim Johnson
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 11:43 AM
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Bugeye Run Over by Truck
My
advice is a blend of both offensive and defensive skills as practiced
on motorcycles. SOME of the rules I follow which have saved me much
grief are:
Every other car out there is trying to take your space away from you.
Don't be where they want to be. Ever. And ALWAYS plan ahead enough to
have a place to go if and when someone DOES try to take your space
away.
Every vehicle that is entering the highway you are on is going to turn
in front of you. Watch their front wheels. If they move - you act to
save yourself. Don't EVER look at the driver's face. They will look
right at you and not see you. The reason why is unimportant.
Never follow another car if you can avoid it. Pass it, change lanes,
or slow down.
Never drive/ride beside another car. They will look at you and not see
you. The reason is not important.
When you are around other vehicles, make a game of figuring out where
the driver's blind spots are, then avoid them like the plague.
Park away from other vehicles. Another 100 or so steps to reach your
destination from the parking lot is good for you heart and your
vehicle.
Just some thoughts....
Cheers!!
Jim - 68 Midget in Dodge City
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