Boxster Tragedy

[vesnyder]

Very, very sorry to hear about your friend. When we are behind the wheel a lot of us think we are invincible?

I hope everyone is a bit more cautious because of this.

[jluetjen]

Saffs;
My thoughts are with you and your family. After too many situations like you're going through right now I've come to learn that there is no time like the present to appreciate the people who are important to you. It's days like today that I usually call a friend just to say "Hi" or give members of my family another hug. You never know when the opportunity to do so will be gone.

- John

[Decolliber]

I also offer my sympathy to Saffs.
Reading this thread makes me wonder how much less safe convertibles are. In a head on collison at 140mph, a roof over your head will not make much difference. But if you take a turn too fast and hit a tree and/or roll over, I would image that a 911 coupe is going to be a lot safer than a Boxster or any other soft top car. I do catch myself driving more exhuberantly in my 911 coupe than I did in the convertible I used to own, and I am sure it is partly because I feel a lot better protected. Wishful thinking, perhaps ... And having that gas tank in the front cannot be good.

[Lothar]

Saffs,

Very sorry to hear this news. I agree, this put's spirited driving in perspective. I certainly did my share of spirited driving when i was younger.

Interestingly, since participating in drivers education events, I am less intested in high speed driving on public roads. I usually enjoy focusing on driving the correct line on the street when I am driving far from at the limit. I now appreciate how speed requires little skill so it is not a necessary part of my everyday driving. I work on things like heel and toeing that don't require extreme speed.

Too many uncertainties exist on the road with other motorists, and mother nature to throw us a curveball. I certainly don't condemn your friend for his momentary enthusiasm. We've all been there. I'm just sorry that what I consider a calculated risk turns out badly.

Thanks for sharing this story so that the rest of us might learn from your friends tragedy.

[CRIS HUERGAS]

its tough to lose a friend like that, but lets all look at this as a constant reminder of why we all need to think about our driving habits. Yes we've all been guilty of "spirited driving" and its one I keep reminding my guys at Cambria. Its a fine line between "spirited driving" and UNSAFE driving. Can't say that its the only reason why I'm here but luck probably has a lot to do with it too.

Life is precious and live it to its fullest. Enjoy the cars, run em' and exercise them like they should be. But know that danger may lurk around that bend, so be careful. Know your car's limits and yours too. don't push it.

Saffs my deepest sympathy goes to you and the family.

Cris Huergas
R Gruppe #2

[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

[Saffs]

Thank you all again for your support everyone. pjv911: that is such an awful tragedy, thank you for sharing it and I can only just begin to imagine your pain....
My friend Keith's funeral is on Tuesday, he'll be cremated with the Porsche crest from his steering wheel, the centre caps from the wheels, and his car keys.....
Here's a picture of his Boxster and my 911 from earlier in the year.....

[autobonrun]

Saffs, my condolences to you and their families. I appreciate the reminder to keep it slower on the road. Fortunately, I've found age, marriage, and kids slowed me down. You tend to think a lot more about the possibilities.

Also, I've found the average driver on the road is totally incapable of judging the speed of another car and will pull over, change lanes or what ever in front of you. When I hit an animal late one night in my BMW, I realized no matter how good a driver I consider myself, the unplanned pothole, tire retread, or animal can change things quickly.

Reading these posts, it is really surprising the number of board members that have either been involved in deadly accidents, or have a close relative or friend that has. I wonder if this high percentage is representative of the general public. I can't believe we'd see the same numbers on a minivan web site. I don't think so. Saffs, if members take your thread to heart, you may never know how many you have just saved from injury or worse.