I'm not even sure why I clicked on the post reply button. I think after I read about 9 pages of the Club RSX thread about Bert, I just needed to say something. I know most of what I'm going to say has been said before. But I need to say it. Maybe just for me.
I, like every member of probetalk, love cars. I am only 18. I know that at many times I do not act maturely. I think that is the case for most all of us regardless of age. I have found myself in countless situations where my love for cars, speed, adrenaline, etc. have conflicted with the law, my own safety, and the safety of others. I do not pretend to be proud of these instances, or think that they make me "tough". If anything, I try to learn from these times and remember them as lessons.
I have had many incidents on the road in which I have had amazingly close-calls, and incidents in which I have not been so lucky. I am sure that many people have had more "extreme" incidents and that perhaps my stories would pale in comparison. Frankly, I don't care. I have had my fair share, and quite honestly I don't want to have a fair share of them any more.
I think we all need to realize something: ********WE ARE NOT INVINCEABLE********* This is something that I truly did not understand at one time. When I first got my license, I had a fast BMW, windy roads, a love for speed and g-forces, and absolutely no fear. I have had access to vehicles like Roush mustangs, a Dodge Viper, etc. - These vehicles while bringing me more of a rush and adrenaline, also brought me closer to the wall, and faster. I have seen what I fear can only be understood through experience. I don't know why it took me 5 tickets and 2 accidents in one year of having my license and a now 6-month suspended license to realize that I am human. To be honest, I don't think enough of us do realize that we are human. Human is just a word, but that word defines what we are, and within that definition is the ability to die.
I could run for pages with stories of my experiences on the road, all the things that have made me realize that life is not a right but a priviledge, one that we decide wether or not we are worthy of it every day.
However, it is not my stories that will convince whoever reads this of anything. The things that will change your views are your own experiences, incidents, and memories. Think about them. Let them teach you.
Fellow probe enthusiasts, I dread the day that I see the thread titled: "Soandso wrecked. Critical condition. Not looking good." But I know that it will happen. Sooner or later (and I have not checked previous threads to see if it has already happened) one of us is not going to be as lucky as we have been.
No matter how much we modify our cars, no matter how skilled or exerienced of a driver we think we are, no matter what we tell ourselves, the only thread of hope we have between staying glued to the street or losing that grip and suddenly being helpless and asking yourself as you spin uncontrollably "am I going to survive this" is 4 tiny 2 square inch pads of rubber. That is the only thing connecting us to the ground, and that is nothing.
I suppose I should just stop typing. I have too much more to say. I don't know what you are thinking right now as you read this. Just know that I am writing this, as someone who quite honestly loves streetracing to the core. I love everything about cars, speed, windy roads, etc. And yet, I don't feel like I am betraying that part of me in any way by writing this.
In fact, I think that part of me is thankful. Because it just might be around a little bit longer thanks to the things I have learned.
I, like every member of probetalk, love cars. I am only 18. I know that at many times I do not act maturely. I think that is the case for most all of us regardless of age. I have found myself in countless situations where my love for cars, speed, adrenaline, etc. have conflicted with the law, my own safety, and the safety of others. I do not pretend to be proud of these instances, or think that they make me "tough". If anything, I try to learn from these times and remember them as lessons.
I have had many incidents on the road in which I have had amazingly close-calls, and incidents in which I have not been so lucky. I am sure that many people have had more "extreme" incidents and that perhaps my stories would pale in comparison. Frankly, I don't care. I have had my fair share, and quite honestly I don't want to have a fair share of them any more.
I think we all need to realize something: ********WE ARE NOT INVINCEABLE********* This is something that I truly did not understand at one time. When I first got my license, I had a fast BMW, windy roads, a love for speed and g-forces, and absolutely no fear. I have had access to vehicles like Roush mustangs, a Dodge Viper, etc. - These vehicles while bringing me more of a rush and adrenaline, also brought me closer to the wall, and faster. I have seen what I fear can only be understood through experience. I don't know why it took me 5 tickets and 2 accidents in one year of having my license and a now 6-month suspended license to realize that I am human. To be honest, I don't think enough of us do realize that we are human. Human is just a word, but that word defines what we are, and within that definition is the ability to die.
I could run for pages with stories of my experiences on the road, all the things that have made me realize that life is not a right but a priviledge, one that we decide wether or not we are worthy of it every day.
However, it is not my stories that will convince whoever reads this of anything. The things that will change your views are your own experiences, incidents, and memories. Think about them. Let them teach you.
Fellow probe enthusiasts, I dread the day that I see the thread titled: "Soandso wrecked. Critical condition. Not looking good." But I know that it will happen. Sooner or later (and I have not checked previous threads to see if it has already happened) one of us is not going to be as lucky as we have been.
No matter how much we modify our cars, no matter how skilled or exerienced of a driver we think we are, no matter what we tell ourselves, the only thread of hope we have between staying glued to the street or losing that grip and suddenly being helpless and asking yourself as you spin uncontrollably "am I going to survive this" is 4 tiny 2 square inch pads of rubber. That is the only thing connecting us to the ground, and that is nothing.
I suppose I should just stop typing. I have too much more to say. I don't know what you are thinking right now as you read this. Just know that I am writing this, as someone who quite honestly loves streetracing to the core. I love everything about cars, speed, windy roads, etc. And yet, I don't feel like I am betraying that part of me in any way by writing this.
In fact, I think that part of me is thankful. Because it just might be around a little bit longer thanks to the things I have learned.
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