[diverdan]

Condolences to you, Saffs, and friends and families. The wake up call is timely and appreciated.

As we approach the limit, we lose our margin of safety. Therefore, we come closer to endangering ourselves, others, and our vunderbar machines.

Lately, my cab has been in four wheel drifts, slightly hung out in the back, or on the verge thereof through every traffic circle in the area. Other traffic has often pulled infront of me in these situations due to lack of attention or correct analysis of my speed. I've been literally sideways using trailing throtle oversteer and then opposite steering input with my foot in it to wipe of speed and then get back in shape and around them. All very exciting, but what if I screw up? What if additional traffic gets involved? What kind of a reputation am I making for Porsche owners - other expats?

Driving near the limit is fun, but it needs to be very carefully thought out as to where and when. What if there is a small diesel fuel spill in one of these roundabouts? A dusting of sand? At the very least the high stout curbs will take out the undercarriage.

The stakes are very high in this game. Yes, it is a game. Very seriously this addictive game may need an organization much like alcoholics anonymous. A thread like this may help prevent some of us from making a similar mistake. There is nothing wrong with being safety concious and channelling our automotive enthusiasm in a more economical and friendlier way.

I'm trying to avoid driving spiritedly when other traffic MIGHT be NEAR. If a pedestrian or bicycle or other vehicle MIGHT be able to suddenly be near, I'd better be driving sanely enough to avoid them. If I don't know the general surface characteristics of the pavement at any given time, I should assume the worst until I am sure of what the cohesivness is.

Can we enjoy our machines without being right on the ragged edge? Maybe many of us realize our problem and should reach out for help before it is too late for somebody.


Diverdan