never, I love it, however I keep most of it for the track where I don't have to worry about the fuzz, myopic drivers, cyclists , junctions and all that other mundane shizz
Do You Ever Get Nervous Driving At High Speed
- Thread starter harrycodlife
- Start date
simonlpearce
Senior member
Had a bit of a spirited drive in the dark last night, that made me nervous as the bends seem to arrive faster and are sharper than you first expect. Aside from that though i would say nerves don't really come into it. Just drive within your limits and all will be well.
Interesting subject. When I first got the car I did find myself tensing up and gripping the wheel a bit too much - tramlining does that to you until you replace the runflats! Totally unrelated to speed though. Not being used to being sat low down with limited visibility also doesn't help.
These days it's mainly driving in groups that freaks me out occasionally. Peer pressure can be evil - especially when it's a group of otherwise sensible people with families. The Z4 does have a nice safety feature in that it feels really jittery at speed, so if I'm following a friend in a 911, I'll generally be having more fun at a given speed. Slightly warped logic, but I also know that if I try and keep up I'll just end up on fire in a ditch. :?
These days it's mainly driving in groups that freaks me out occasionally. Peer pressure can be evil - especially when it's a group of otherwise sensible people with families. The Z4 does have a nice safety feature in that it feels really jittery at speed, so if I'm following a friend in a 911, I'll generally be having more fun at a given speed. Slightly warped logic, but I also know that if I try and keep up I'll just end up on fire in a ditch. :?
I,ve seen a video of one crashing into a concrete barrier head on at 70mph and it came off very well , the doors opened ! if your frightened of going fast DON,T. it certainly ain,t safe round here any more, Cyclists,tractors,hgv, so chill out and cruise guys.
Liverpool
Try it at top of 5th (about 160mph) - if you can find a piece of autobahn empty enough. I found the car felt very light at that speed.Taz said:
Although that was with OE suspension & ContiM3 tyres - maybe it will feel a bit better now. Might have to try another VMAX run when I'm over there next weekend.
The potential to lose your licence and consequently the fun of driving, means that very high speed just doesn't make sense to me, on the road in the UK. That's the selfish bit; the rest, concerning potential hazards, has been written about - except - the thing that really makes me think about what I'm doing is the horror of doing someone else damage, or worse. My preferred use of the Zed involves twisties and quiet back roads where enjoyment can be had, within the speed limit or licence friendly speeds but even there, cyclists (and we are talking families) and other road users, mean that there is great responsibilities and need for concentration. Training and restraint (it really is beyond foolish to go balls out in a Zed on the road) will help but I shudder to think how I'd feel causing an accident when I'm simply out there looking to enjoy myself. It's always a heavy responsibility and there's no hiding that when out in a powerful and capable sports car.
If you are nervous or have doubts rethink your approach and slow down. Get some quality training - not to 'drive fast' but to control your car and read the road, then you will feel more in control and you'll likely find you will cover ground faster but crucially more safely. Speed increases ground covered, during reaction time and in an accident, it will likely increase the effect of said accident.
After saying all that, like many (all?) on the forum, I do love to be out what I call 'making the most of the Zed' - on the road, this means making the most of the road conditions first and using the Zed in a way to fit those conditions - potential hazards being a major part of that 'fit'. It does mean I prefer open sightlines and isolated routes as this ups the opportunities for 'using' the Zed. But poor weather, unknown roads and forum hoons all add to the enjoyment and challenge of driving responsibly whilst still having enjoyment.
I've often commented on forum hoons and complimented the driving I've seen from those taking part. If it was any other way I wouldn't be part of it. That balance can be found.
The ability to drive at a speed you feel comfortable and 'safe' at is a skill and calls for judgement. Like everyone else I don't always make the right judgements but ironically, that's part of the attraction - I just wouldn't want that to be at the cost of anyone else.
If you are nervous or have doubts rethink your approach and slow down. Get some quality training - not to 'drive fast' but to control your car and read the road, then you will feel more in control and you'll likely find you will cover ground faster but crucially more safely. Speed increases ground covered, during reaction time and in an accident, it will likely increase the effect of said accident.
After saying all that, like many (all?) on the forum, I do love to be out what I call 'making the most of the Zed' - on the road, this means making the most of the road conditions first and using the Zed in a way to fit those conditions - potential hazards being a major part of that 'fit'. It does mean I prefer open sightlines and isolated routes as this ups the opportunities for 'using' the Zed. But poor weather, unknown roads and forum hoons all add to the enjoyment and challenge of driving responsibly whilst still having enjoyment.
I've often commented on forum hoons and complimented the driving I've seen from those taking part. If it was any other way I wouldn't be part of it. That balance can be found.
The ability to drive at a speed you feel comfortable and 'safe' at is a skill and calls for judgement. Like everyone else I don't always make the right judgements but ironically, that's part of the attraction - I just wouldn't want that to be at the cost of anyone else.
simonlpearce
Senior member
If the OP were to ask the same question but as a passenger, then hell yes i get all tense and nervous. Will be holding onto anything i can and pressing away on the imaginary brake pedal.
mr wilks said:
That's a pretty impressive record there Andy, sounds like you have been lucky too - there's not much you can do if someone pulls out right in front of you when you're travelling at 50 (happened to me back in 2001, the side impact spun my 3 series BMW and it was subsequently written off by the insurance company, luckily no one was seriously hurt)
I wouldn't say nervous exactly but definitely a lot more focused and alert. I'm sure I would enjoy trying to max it out at 175mph on a closed runway but on public roads I don't find excessive speed all that fun. No matter how good a driver you think you are or how safe you think it is there are all the other factors to think about and if I do find myself getting a bit carried a way I usually back off pretty quickly.
I find full throttle acceleration from lower speeds in the bottom gears a lot more exhilarating and enjoyable than flat out speed if I'm honest.
I find full throttle acceleration from lower speeds in the bottom gears a lot more exhilarating and enjoyable than flat out speed if I'm honest.
There are far easier and fun ways to get yourself into genuine life threatening situations at the weekend than driving fast cars. :wink:Wise words from Paulgs1000 & as i get older have become more cautious & aware of others be that cars,motorbikes ,cyclists,walkers , Renault & Honda drivers 
& even sheep ,
The summer months especially seem to have cyclists around every corner & are always a concern on blind bends especially roads/areas i don't know well .
Whilst i'd hate to spoil the paintwork on my car it would be far worse to cause injury to somebody
& even sheep , The summer months especially seem to have cyclists around every corner & are always a concern on blind bends especially roads/areas i don't know well .
Whilst i'd hate to spoil the paintwork on my car it would be far worse to cause injury to somebody
Like Mr Wilks, I have 32 years of driving behind me and no accidents luckily. Just the 2 occasions of naughtiness to report. Once at 18yrs old when caught slightly over in a 30mph and again about 8 or 9 years ago exceeding the 50mph on an elevated Motorway stretch through Port Talbot.
My mum has an 80 year old freind who doesnt even see mini roundabouts and just drives over them. She stays in the left hand lane regardless of what direction she is turning at a junction and just does not see half of what is going on.
It is people like her I worry about when I'm steaming on down an open A road and a car appears at a junction 300 yards ahead. They are the sort of people who will wait until you're only 50 yards away and then pull out on you.
Alternatively its the boy racer with 4 passengers who will come round the bend on your side of the road, having either lost it or impatiently overtaking. Thats when I'd rather be doing 40 than 80 and have a chance to do something.
In short, on the road, its very little to do with how well you can handle a car. Its how much time, you can give yourself to counter for other peoples stupidity. Experience brings anticipation, which sometimes buys you a little more and can make all the difference...
My mum has an 80 year old freind who doesnt even see mini roundabouts and just drives over them. She stays in the left hand lane regardless of what direction she is turning at a junction and just does not see half of what is going on.
It is people like her I worry about when I'm steaming on down an open A road and a car appears at a junction 300 yards ahead. They are the sort of people who will wait until you're only 50 yards away and then pull out on you.
Alternatively its the boy racer with 4 passengers who will come round the bend on your side of the road, having either lost it or impatiently overtaking. Thats when I'd rather be doing 40 than 80 and have a chance to do something.
In short, on the road, its very little to do with how well you can handle a car. Its how much time, you can give yourself to counter for other peoples stupidity. Experience brings anticipation, which sometimes buys you a little more and can make all the difference...
I agree with Pauls comments completely and and Mr Wilks. I have noticed a big change from when I was young and consider the possible consequences now whereas before (pre 25) it was full steam ahead in most instances. I do now think of the consequences much more, causing harm or being harmed through other users faults, my own or even a mechanical failure.
Age always mellows youths eagerness.
Age always mellows youths eagerness.
By the seaside...
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