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3,501 Posts
Well guys, all our recent discussion about oversteer and spinning just came in handy. I had a full tank of gas, myself, my girlfriend, my sister, and A LOT of luggage all loaded up. We were heading up to the Poconos for the weekend. It had been raining hard all day, but it let up and remained only as a fine drizzle.
I was in the right lane northbound on Business Route 1 in Penndel when a gray van pulled out in front of me. I swerved into the left lane, the road curved to the right. I was sliding into on coming traffic. Then I made the classic AWD mistake: in an effort to get back into MY lane, I made things worse. I started sliding BADLY. I had lost all control.
Then, it got worse. I was in what motorcycle riders call a “tank slapper.” We were going back and forth in a wicked cycle. The back ended started going left, the front end started going right. If you start to spin, push them both in. I nailed the clutch and the brake. My sister started screaming. I was a passenger behind the wheel of my own car. In an instant, we were going straight backward and a small glimmer of hope began to blossom. It was crushed instantly as I realized we were still moving very fast.
It all stopped suddenly as a black, rotted telephone poll ended our ride. The rear of my WRX is smashed beyond recognition. A self-made rally driver is without his prize possession.
I was (and still am) very angry at myself for letting this happen to me, my sister, and my girlfriend. I am also proud that I did the best I could in a horrible situation. I avoided the oncoming traffic. I avoided the used cars in the lot that I came to rest near. Some of this was my doing, but I had help. I always carry the prayer card from my grandfather’s funeral with me to bring me luck. There is no doubt in my mind that I was being watched over today.
Well, I am off to the Poconos in my sister’s Sentra SE-R. I’ll be back on Monday to pick up my rental car. I am REALLY glad that I have rental car coverage.
Have a nice weekend!
-Jim
I was in the right lane northbound on Business Route 1 in Penndel when a gray van pulled out in front of me. I swerved into the left lane, the road curved to the right. I was sliding into on coming traffic. Then I made the classic AWD mistake: in an effort to get back into MY lane, I made things worse. I started sliding BADLY. I had lost all control.
Then, it got worse. I was in what motorcycle riders call a “tank slapper.” We were going back and forth in a wicked cycle. The back ended started going left, the front end started going right. If you start to spin, push them both in. I nailed the clutch and the brake. My sister started screaming. I was a passenger behind the wheel of my own car. In an instant, we were going straight backward and a small glimmer of hope began to blossom. It was crushed instantly as I realized we were still moving very fast.
It all stopped suddenly as a black, rotted telephone poll ended our ride. The rear of my WRX is smashed beyond recognition. A self-made rally driver is without his prize possession.
I was (and still am) very angry at myself for letting this happen to me, my sister, and my girlfriend. I am also proud that I did the best I could in a horrible situation. I avoided the oncoming traffic. I avoided the used cars in the lot that I came to rest near. Some of this was my doing, but I had help. I always carry the prayer card from my grandfather’s funeral with me to bring me luck. There is no doubt in my mind that I was being watched over today.
Well, I am off to the Poconos in my sister’s Sentra SE-R. I’ll be back on Monday to pick up my rental car. I am REALLY glad that I have rental car coverage.
Have a nice weekend!
-Jim