Accidents - What I've learned

I've witnessed some spectacular accidents. And I use that word purposefully because the injuries were seemingly minor. But the sites, sounds and lessons learned and reinforced were very memorable. When you're on the road 18,000 miles per year in the car alone and the vast majority of that in the suburbs, you tend to see a lot of things happen. I wrote about one before in my "Lower Those Lifted Trucks!" article but there are few more to share and the lessons that were reinforced.

Of course, I've been in a few myself in decades past. I'd rather not get into any details to save myself embarrassment, but let's just say be sure to look both ways or ahead before proceeding. Low speed, no injuries, thank the Lord.

The NASCAR crash. I was southbound out of Pleasanton on 680 on a Monday afternoon in a torrential downpour. I was talking to my non-car brother on the phone at the time. A strangely recurring coincidence. Driving my front-wheel drive car in the left lane, I felt some familiar tugging on the steering wheel and that spraying water sound that told me I was hydroplaning a bit. I slowed down a little and noticed traffic was passing me. I made my way over into the far right lane.

One of the cars passing me on the far left lane was a beautiful Lexus coupe from the early-mid nineties. Remember that car? Six or eight cylinder versions, I remember reading years ago new sheet metal forming technology was invented by Toyota for the front end. This is also the same platform used by Toyota for the 4th generation (MKIV) Supra but shortened 4 to 5 inches if memory serves. Somewhat of a legendary car from a tuning standpoint. http://www.mkivforums.com/vb/ and http://www.supraforums.com/forum/ for example.

Anyway, I'm chatting with my brother, keeping an eye on this rear-drive car in this pouring rain and sure enough! Look out! The Lexus was about a car length ahead of me when it fishtailed right and then swung around left, fast, rear end against the divider wall. I'm yelling "Holy cow!" into the phone while pieces of rear bumper and bodywork start flying all over the middle and left lanes. I can't brake too hard because I'll get rear ended, but I look left and see him clutching the steering wheel riding out the storm as I go by. Poor guy. People behind him are stopping so I get off the phone to call 911 to report the accident and continue to San Jose.

I called my brother back and he encouraged me to go ahead and order the new tires I was starting to need.

Lessons: Don't drive too fast for conditions, make sure your equipment is within safety standards, counter-steer into the turn. Honestly, in the limited space he had, counter maneuvers may or may not have worked for him.

The Shotgun crash: I was sitting at "my" intersection waiting for the arrow to make a u-turn when it happened. Don't you have your own roads or intersections too? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgKtihDtooQ The windows were open and I was just waiting for the arrow. All of a sudden, "CRASH!". A horrendous sound, I thought someone had opened up with both barrels outside my passenger window. My head jerked right to see who the heck was shooting! Really, the sound is almost indescribable but we've all heard it before on TV. What happened was an SUV apparently ran a red light and hit the right-front of a car going through the intersection, hard. The speed could have been as high as 45mph since many drive 10mph over the limit.

I got on the phone, called in the accident and parked in a nearby lot to check on the victim. The two passengers in the SUV seemed okay but I deferred to the victim first anyway. He was shook-up and I'm sure really, really sore the next day. Hopefully that was all. I didn't stay to make a statement, since others witnessed it directly, instead of just that awful sound. A friend of mine, Wayland Joe, a two-time SCCA Runoff Champion has had some high-speed accidents in his racing career in the IMSA Cup Car Series. http://www.imsachallenge.com/ The advice he was given was to immediately take Advil after the accident to help alleviate the pain that was sure to come.

Lessons: Pay attention to traffic signals! Look both ways when crossing an intersection. Take some Advil if you have some bad luck. And let's pray all you have is soreness!

The Felony Crash: Once again, talking to my non-car brother on the phone, I was eastbound on Stevens Creek Boulevard in the left lane. Suddenly I was passed by an older, mid-eighties Cutlass in the right lane at a very high rate of speed, in heavy traffic! I said "No way is he gonna..." and "Bang!" The Cutlass was traveling so fast it couldn't change lanes quickly enough and it rear ended an Audi convertible. The Audi was pushed off the road, over a curb, over a signal box, bouncing along the way and came to a rest in a parking lot. The Cutlass, severely damaged in the front end, immediately veered right, crashing into the curb and light pole. Two "youths", i.e. stupid criminals, leaped out and took off running. I briefly debated pulling up along side before they could get out so closely they couldn't open the door. But I don't happen to be bulletproof and at best it would mean a dented and scratched up side of my car.

The police were in hot pursuit, hence the "urgent" driving of the getaway car and went after them. Apparently they were observed stealing and ran. I went to the parking lot where the Audi was and learned I knew the occupant from business. Poor guy was really sore already and had whiplash.

Lesson reinforced: Always wear your seatbelt and have your seat properly adjusted to support your head and neck, check your mirrors. Simplistic basics: Don't be a stupid criminal, run from the cops and drive too fast, okay?

The Lousy Citizen Accident: This one really stick in my craw. During rush hour I noticed a motorcyclist in full riding gear on what appeared to be a small-engined sport bike. As a motorcyclist, I always pay attention to the bike, gear and rider to see what's what. Especially during rush hour. Oddly enough, I was on the phone again but this time with my Mom. For those of you who are local, I pulled into the long, sweeping, two lane left-hand turn lanes for Brokaw to turn onto 880 Southbound. I was probably a good ten cars back, maybe twelve? The motorcyclist did the safest thing - he cut lanes to the front of the parallel line of cars waiting to turn. He was now out of the way of traffic and and couldn't be rear-ended sitting there.

The light turned green and the rider immediately started turning. Unfortunately the rider looked into the turn and didn't check the intersection. It's not a simple left-hander, it's a greater-than-ninety-degrees turn with a dip. It requires you too look deep into the turn. But he didn't check the intersection and a small pick-up truck came sailing through from the street on the right, turning left. I started to utter something and even if I had laid on the horn, I don't know if it would have helped. But if I wasn't on the phone, I would have for sure. What the hell was everyone else ahead of me doing? Sitting on their hands?

The truck never stopped and broadsided the motorcyclist. It seemed like it was in slow motion, horrible and painful as the rider was ejected from the bike and tumbled with an awful sound of the helmet and bike hitting the pavement. I exclaimed, "Oh NO! I've gotta go Mom, I'm fine, I just witnessed an accident!". And you know what? There must have been at least 20 people ahead of me that never stopped! Surely one of them at least had medical training beyond my bandage and antibiotic routine from cuts and scrapes. Even so, they could have gotten to the fallen rider before me!

I got on the phone with 911 and waited for the police and ambulance. A few others stopped as well. The rider suffered lower leg injuries and he and I talked later, he's doing better. I told the officer at the scene what happened as the other witnesses did as well and saw that the rider was being attended to. I then left and went home. Yes the pick-up driver was there and it was obvious he felt very bad.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. And one of our obligations is to help our fellow man. You may not like it, but that isn't just a rule of the road, it's a fundamental human obligation. I'm stepping of my soap box soon, thank you for bearing with me.

Lessons learned and reinforced are multiple: Look before crossing an intersection, wear full safety gear on the motorcycle, stop and help those in need, don't run red lights and pay attention.

I didn't want to sensationalize these accidents, but if reading about them helps one person check for traffic or signals and avoid an accident, I did my duty as a citizen.

Porsches don't show well - a 911 Twin Turbo review

But they sure do drive well. Interestingly, a Porsche is like a Harley. No two are exactly alike but I'll get to that later. First in the looks department, it ends up being the back marker. The car is amazing by any standard but let me explain my position.

By itself, a Porsche is a beautiful car. But they are very "buttoned up" and tidy. Like a beauty contestant in a one-piece bathing suit next the bikinis, i.e. Ferraris and Lamborghinis. What was once a traffic accident-causing distraction is now forgotten. Hence the bane of Porsches at car shows like the Concorso Italiano. http://www.concorso.com/ The Ferraris and Lamborghinis really show it all off. Exposed mechanicals, see-through engine covers, flashy wheels, bright colors. It's like spring break on the golf course! I'm sure other analogies have already come to mind. Do Porsche owners really care? Probably not. They take pride in the number of podium finishes for decades at racetracks around the world.

But most of us realize the fantasy isn't always reality. And one is usually the better choice to live with on a daily basis. Probably another reason Porsches are so popular, among many others. Then again, when you can have more than "model", why not? Monogamy with a model (car) isn't necessary and quite frankly, unrealistic. I'll stop before I offend some readers...

And the Harley part? What makes Porsche so unique is the variety of customization from an appearance standpoint. Right from the factory, too. Harley Davidson publishes a catalog of customization parts for their bikes every year. Virtually everything can be changed by the owner with parts from the factory. The world's most profitable carmaker allows it all to be done before the car is delivered. This means the potential for no two to be alike. I'll list the ways this particular example had an option list that took it to an MSRP of $160,000.

The list of options in this example is extensive. Leather covered: seatbacks, console, sun visors and center upper console, dashboard, doors and steering wheel. Additional options include the silver stitching is color matched to the seat belts. Porsche crest on the headrest and an alcantera head liner. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcantara_(material) The white dials and lighted door sills add to the interior appeal. The optional Sport Chrono Turbo package is a gem of a lap timer in the center of the dashboard activated by one of the steering wheel stalks for starting and stopping the timer. It also means the torque rating jumps from 460ft lbs from a low 1,950rpm to 5,000 rpm to 505ft lbs from 2,100 to 4,000 rpm. An outstanding increase from any perspective.

Surprisingly the storage space in this small car in the glove box and doors is impressive along with the deep rear seats. The rear seats fold down flat, protecting the leather surface from the cargo. In case your milk leaks, right? Porsche even engineers small folding flaps in the roof for mounting ski or bicycle racks. Have you ever mounted a rack on a roof or trunk? It isn't fun. I once creased the metal in the oddest way underneath the padding mounting a bicycle rack on a trunk. Luckily it wasn't a Porsche!

Moving downward, opening the hood in the rear since the engine is located there, you notice the integrated drip trays for the fluids, very thoughtful. The extraordinary optional Ceramic Composite Brakes with yellow calipers fill out the 19" wheels with the Porsche center crests and painted-to-match spoke edges looks both purposeful and elegant. These brakes were developed originally for racing due to their lack of fade when hot, longevity and lighter weight. Some squeal is evident depending upon circumstances but it sounded more like an electronic beep rather than a grating, annoying and cheap sound.

This low riding machine has a front spoiler or air dam that used to cost $1,200 to replace in '01 or so but now is just $200. A bargain in light of the inevitable scrapes that occur. Many cars need a repaint over time, this solution is far better. Some other features and options include mirrors that turn downward when backing up, a smaller, thicker steering wheel and no front license plate or model designation on the exterior. Yes, not having a front plate is against the law. A silly law, too.
There is a fire extinguisher mounted under the driver's seat and I'll digress here. Imagine going off road at the track into grass that is a little tall. Or parking attendants directing cars onto a field where the overflow parking is for an event. That fire extinguisher can sure come in handy when the grass touches hot parts. We've all seen far too much debris on the road, haven't we?

Alright already! What is it like to drive? A dream. A little harsh over bumps, especially in the "Sport" mode that tightens the shock absorbers. Known as Porsche Active Suspension Management. http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-turbo/indetail/?gtabindex=3 The Sport mode also adjusts engine responsiveness with fuel and spark manipulation. You can hear a subtle difference when idling.

With 480 horsepower on tap and the torque coming on low, downshifting really isn't necessary on the highway. If you do downshift, it pulls, hard. You're exceeding the speed limit and the car actually seems to enjoy it. Its hard to describe with a Porsche, but when you drive one, the faster you go, the more it seems in it's element. Oddly, it has a 5 speed automatic but when there are virtually no "dead spots" or lack of power in the low rpm range, more gears or "speeds" are not really needed. But it would make the car even quicker! Downshifts are so well controlled and immediate, despite the automatic, you think race car not passenger car.

When you explore the cornering and braking limits of a car like this vs. the world of daily driving boredom, the mind initially can't comprehend how it isn't flying off the road in plume of smoke and protesting tires. Its as if the laws of physics are manipulated slightly when in reality, it is a matter of your senses adjusting to the higher g-forces. Not unlike riding a roller-coaster.

At full-throttle while hitting a dip in the pavement, the rebound of the suspension or "jounce" which unloaded the weight on the front wheels made the steering wheel momentarily very loose and wiggly. The rear-engine weight bias is a major contributor to this as well. It immediately reminded me of my Harley feeling loose at a full-throttle shift into second with a heavy rear-weight bias. Go figure, another Porsche-Harley comparison! I couldn't make this up if I tried.

This compact and wondrous 3572lb car made the 4200lb sedan I returned in with a similar horsepower level feel slow, ponderous and loosey goosey. Any other mention or comparison is simply ridiculous. Riding in the Porsche as a passenger is a treat, driving it was a true grin-inducing pleasure. It may not draw a crowd, but that isn't what it's all about, is it?
Further information and technical specifications can be found here: http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-turbo/featuresandspecs/?gtabindex=1

Car show or zoo? Try the car show

Virtually everyone has been to the zoo but annually? The Good Guys car show should be a must-see every year. http://www.good-guys.com/news/hotNews.aspx Not into cars? Well how much are you really into wild animals? Don't know much about cars? Do you really know a lot about animals? I have to pick on my dear brother again. The one that hasn't opened the hood of a car for probably 20+ years, bless his heart. Even he appreciates the rolling jewelry and engineering on display. And the animals, well they really don't change much, do they?

I'm not saying don't go to the zoo, it's a great experience. But it really doesn't change much year to year, does it? The zoo is a wonderful place and I love animals. If you can donate to the care of God's creatures, do it. But be sure to check out the creativity and engineering of God's other creatures. This show offers more than the zoo can.

The Good Guys Rod and Custom Association hosted an excellent event in Pleasanton at the Alameda (where is that?) Fairgrounds on May 30th and 31st. What made it so good? The variety, the setting, the autocross and the vendors.

I'm always amazed at some of the colors of the animals at the zoo. So pure and natural, and yes, even the Baboons. However when experts mix special color combinations sprayed in multiple flawless layers over voluptuous curves, chrome plated parts with perfect reflections and uttering monstrous sounds reflecting hundreds of horsepower while their owner and builder is sitting there answering questions about their creation, it is a real treat. Some animals change colors. Guess what? Some cars have paints that change color as the viewing angle changes too.

Ever see the Cheetahs and Rhinos run at full speed at the zoo? One big treat at this show was the autocross where a vast variety of cars run the cone marked course in 1st gear. Hearing and seeing those cars turn and burn rubber was a rare sight. Even if the course meant laps only in 1st gear and at a time in the high 30 second range, it was very cool to watch. Hey, I said full speed, not top speed, right?

The setting is excellent. It doesn't stink like some animal exhibits, there are many shady spots and plenty of tasty food and drink vendors spread around. It's like strolling through multiple parks. The number of vendors selling everything from junk to collectibles, automotive related or not, is staggering. So you're still not convinced? The people watching is better at the show than the zoo, guaranteed.

So while I encourage you to go to the zoo, don't skip the Good Guys show either. You'll enjoy both of them. One last thing, the parking lot at the zoo doesn't have nearly as many interesting "animals" unless you like pigs and cows, er, SUVs and minivans...

picture: Mike's "Sledgehammer" Camaro engine bay. Supercharged and set up for show AND go!