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Sometimes I get asked if my racing experience helps on the street. Usually that’s not the case, as I refuse to street race, or do many extreme performance moves off-track. But the pandemic can create unexpected demands that use the same ingrained reactions and skills honed over decades of wheel-to-wheel racing. It's the same lesson I used to teach at some of our 350Z track events in the past: reactions must be automatic when faced with an emergency! This weekend I drove my pre-order redline Z a few miles to play tennis on a fine fall day. Coming up to a stoplight, I was positioned in the far left-hand lane of a three lane avenue as a stoplight ahead turned red. Queued up behind a gold-colored, tinted window Camry, it was all too clear to see this late model Toyota hadn’t been washed in some time. As the light changed, the Camry was slow to accelerate, so I checked my mirrors and signaled for a change to the middle lane before starting to accelerate around. That was when the situation changed, and fast.
Shifting up easy into third gear, my peripheral vision suddenly picked up that the Camry was beginning to edge over right into my lane! The line of cars directly ahead was too close to allow me to cleanly accelerate past, so I glanced right and found the furthest right lane over was clear. The Camry kept coming, and remained within a foot of my door as the Z’s razor sharp steering allowed me to maneuver like making a pass at the start of a race in a tightly pack of racecars. Of course, I was also multi-tasking- honking my shrill, euro-type horn to warn the Camry driver they were driving almost straight into my Z!
Perhaps unconsciously, I used the VQ35DE’s ample torque to pull ahead and get into the right hand lane just before the Camry squeezed into it behind me. I rolled down my window and put my hand out to say what the ****, when the sight in my rearview mirror stopped me cold. Behind the Camry’s steering wheel was a tiny, white haired woman who was clearly struggling with driving. The windshield was the only non-tinted piece of glass that allowed me to see her predicament. She turned into a senior housing development shortly after and disappeared, probably oblivious to the shunt she had almost caused just seconds before.
I never saw the Camry driver again, but it reminded me of my own mother’s struggle to give up driving in her final few years. While this incident was over in seconds, it made me reflect that most accidents happen in the same span of time. Any hesitation on my part in coordinating throttle, brakes and steering could have resulted in bent sheet metal, curbed wheels, or worse. This is not to say that any alert Z car driver could have avoided contact, but years of bringing racecars home intact at the checkered flag certainly didn't hurt my chances! Ironically, driving during the pandemic is one of the few outlets left as infections rise during the last part of 2020. But Z car drivers must be aware that some of the worst (cars, trucks or drivers) are out there too. So stay frosty and share any close calls you had recently right here!
Good story, and reminds me of something i strongly stand by. You have to take drivers education and a test to prove you are competent to drive, at a certain age i feel you should have to prove you are still competent to drive
Good story DK, glad everyone walked away safely. Knowing when to surrender keys is vital for everyone's safety, whether it's age or other impairment.
Yeah, props to my late mother for giving up the keys voluntarily. The lady who almost took me out will hopefully recognize this and make a better decision.
Good story, and reminds me of something i strongly stand by. You have to take drivers education and a test to prove you are competent to drive, at a certain age i feel you should have to prove you are still competent to drive
I hear you well. But what's that "certain age"? How do you convince people to recognize that driving is not a right?
While I posted this in the SW forum, I hope to hear from more members on what's been happening in their neck of the woods. There's gotta be more 'near miss' stories like mine, or perhaps just what it's like to drive around your city during the pandemic. While the weather holds here in Colorado, the Z is my brief escape even if it's just to go to a local restaurant for pickup. I know others must be doing something similar in their city, so let's hear more about YOUR story!
Look at the car above. You'd think people could spot it easily. right? Nope, it must be ME who's causing all these issues. Tonight I was returning from picking up dinner from Denver Restaurant Week, when I pulled up to a double left hand turn lane next to (ironically), a white first-gen Leaf. Glanced over to see a masked, middle aged lady at the wheel. Didn't think much of it when the light turned green and we accelerated left onto Quebec avenue. Just after making the turn, I hit the Brembos HARD when I saw the Leaf's signal light go on near my door. I was about to get rammed by a EV! Fortunately, the Z has good, responsive brakes, but still, this was a page right out of defensive driving 101!
After that, I let the Leaf driver know she screwed up by shrill blasts from my horn and flashing my lights. Still, no excuses, or any apologizes from the Leaf driver, as she promptly pulled up to the next stoplight and turned west. Who knows? Maybe she was in a rush, or maybe the pandemic is making sure I stay alert, or perhaps I was being punished for past sins against the female species! Whatever, driving the Z remains a joy as the days get shorter, and I'm not about to give up that pleasure until the snow starts flying thick and hard.
So you wanna talk about defensive driving? Try riding the above on crowded, non-bike-laned streets near downtown San Jose. Joke....
But ya, been putting more mileage on these two than 3 cars combined. Only time I drive is when there's stuff to haul back from the market (or bikes from the shop).
Interestingly, an older person (yeah, anyone that's older than me is classified "an older person") who was in the right turn lane darted back out into my non-turn lane because they were afraid (apparently) of the three girls on bicycles on the sidewalk waiting for light to change. Had only time to kick in and release ABS, look over and steer into next lane. Do I think my racing and school training saved us there? Partly perhaps. But I think knowing my vehicle helped more. Knew the brake threshold would kick in ABS and by releasing it quick enough to allowing for smoother (than with ABS on) lane change. By the way, this was in our hybrid SUV, NOT the Z or Benz or roadster.
But no matter whether this one incident says anything, I am still the biggest proponent of driving school/racing/racing school, whatever. The driver IS the controlling point in the car no matter if an AMC Gremlin or a fire breathing 400Z. Without proper driving skills, all the handling, horsepower, aesthetics of a car means NOTHING. Which is why I laugh when I read some of the stuff on Facebook Z groups.
Anyhow, my observations are that there's not a lot of difference between pandemic drivers and regular. I do notice less cars on the road but the biggest difference on the roads is the same as always..... weekend drivers are the worst. UGGGGGHHHHH.
Mic- I KNEW we could count on you for an entertaining comment in this thread! And yes, your two bikes are excellent "commuters" with additional benefits including C-V health, strength training and ease of parking. I used to ride my bike to my office during the summer (ended up on the hood of a car one time, but that's another story), but Denver doesn't exactly match that mild San Jose weather. No matter, enjoyed your story and I'd have confidence in your accident avoidance driving anytime.
Certainly agree with your contention that driving/racing school can help most drivers exert their awareness and control over whatever they're driving. Amazing to think that back in 2003-07, we ran some one-day driving courses for 350Z owners under the Nissan Sport Magazine banner. We had the use of race tracks in Colorado to run various car control and accident avoidance exercises before running the circuits in steps. I hope some of those drivers still remember those lessons!
Anyway, I hope Mic stays safe- at home and on the road. Pandemic or not, the problem with bikes (motorized or not) is that if anybody makes a mistake on the road, the bike rider PAYS THE PRICE! Best of luck to you, my friend and watch out for certain pandemic drivers with the "red mist" in their eyes...
Mic- I KNEW we could count on you for an entertaining comment in this thread! And yes, your two bikes are excellent "commuters" with additional benefits including C-V health, strength training and ease of parking. I used to ride my bike to my office during the summer (ended up on the hood of a car one time, but that's another story), but Denver doesn't exactly match that mild San Jose weather. No matter, enjoyed your story and I'd have confidence in your accident avoidance driving anytime.
Certainly agree with your contention that driving/racing school can help most drivers exert their awareness and control over whatever they're driving. Amazing to think that back in 2003-07, we ran some one-day driving courses for 350Z owners under the Nissan Sport Magazine banner. We had the use of race tracks in Colorado to run various car control and accident avoidance exercises before running the circuits in steps. I hope some of those drivers still remember those lessons!
Anyway, I hope Mic stays safe- at home and on the road. Pandemic or not, the problem with bikes (motorized or not) is that if anybody makes a mistake on the road, the bike rider PAYS THE PRICE! Best of luck to you, my friend and watch out for certain pandemic drivers with the "red mist" in their eyes...
My very first post response on this forum (and it was to your post) was about those Nissan Sport driving classes.
Seven years ago or so. (11 years too late to be a my350Z OG... haha!)
Mic- be careful out there while riding your bikes. Yesterday, an article came out about a man who was basically mugged for his Bridgestone mountain bike. This happened in Longmont (a town about a half hour from Denver) and tragically, the victim was taken to the hospital where be died. The perp is still at large in that community...
Mic- be careful out there while riding your bikes. Yesterday, an article came out about a man who was basically mugged for his Bridgestone mountain bike. This happened in Longmont (a town about a half hour from Denver) and tragically, the victim was taken to the hospital where be died. The perp is still at large in that community...
Thanks for the warning. Bad joss what happened in Longmont!
Yeah, there's a bunch of danger out there but I'm very careful. I'm that annoying nerd rider who rides with a flasher in broad daylight, I signal every move, I don't scream at asshat drivers who cut me off or block the lanes (despite wanting to), and, I don't ride anywhere there's suspect people around (and they're out there.) I do live and ride in a good part of town but, despite that, every precaution taken.
Interestingly, I think a lot of my cycling caution comes from driving (or possibly my driving early on was tempered by my cycle racing?) Haha. But ya, anticipating drivers, knowing where my "out" is at all times, in case of emergency, knowing when someone is about to make a bad move, thanking drivers for yielding, etc. Same stuff in car or on velo. Does that come from racing/driving school? Yeah, I think so - partly - but it's also a lot of common sense. That's partly innate, partly trained, I guess.
Funny, hadn't thought about it recently but my user name (here and elsewhere) does derive from my love of riding. Ha! Thanks again for the concern, David!
It's the end of December and it seems like the pandemic is bringing out the crazies and one even involves a G37 coupe. This story got a lot of airtime on the local media here because it's got several levels of idiocy. Here's the link with a video:
Apparently the driver of this G37C was part of a pack of drifters who stopped traffic on a stretch of eastbound four-lane highway (I-70) about seven miles from my home. They pulled this traffic stoppage so they could pull donuts and other stunts. The video shows a G37C spinning around eastbound and sliding into a truck square on. What the video doesn't show is the drivers of both vehicles getting out to lokk at the damage. The truck driver apparently pulls out a shotgun and empties both barrels into the Infiniti! Nobody was in the G37C at that point, but this kind of pandemic road rage has escalated to new highs (or lows). The shotgun wielding truck driver took off, and police are still searching for him. The news report seems to indicate the G37C owner/driver was arrested at the scene.
Up here in the Frozen Tundra, there is no shortage of stupid, inattentive drivers. What I've noticed a lot in the past couple of years are impatient people who will blow through a red light because they just can't wait that extra minute or two for the cycle. I worry because my boys like to go out biking and boarding in the area, and I hate how these angry people are constantly yelling at pedestrians and bikers to get out of the way.
Just last night, the car on my left (turn lane) decided to turn right while the light was red (just before it turned green). That was only 2 blocks from my house.
I've also had to use the horn more often to get people's attention when they start to drift into my lane or cut me off.
Pandemic driving update from my neck of the woods (Colorado):
“There was an increase in speed-related crashes — not street racing — but just people driving faster,” said.the official “We had 35 total crashes with 36 fatalities and probably nine or 10 of those were crashes where people were just driving excessively fast.”
Aurora’s totals still sit below the 50 people killed on Colorado Springs roads last year, and the 48 who died on Denver roadways, according to Colorado Department of Transportation data.
Authorities pointed to the pandemic as a reason for increased speeds earlier this spring as roads emptied out while residents tried to wait out the virus from their homes instead of their offices".
Pandemic Driving Story
