T-REX

I don’t know about the law suit, but it seems to be a problem spot. I would at least sue them to make them put up a sign, so that other people use extra caution while driving over that spot (if that is even possible). Or so that they fix the problem. Who knows, your actions may save someone else’s life.

RenoIV

Glad you're okay!

Your 8 took care of you. She looks totaled

Silver curse strikes again.

Hope you get another 8!

BlueEyes

Was the city driving your car? Why don't you take responsibility for your own actions.

HardHitter

I am taking responsibility of my own actions, but are you telling me if you hit an unexpected hole/change in the road and crashed your car, you would blame it on your driving?

BlueEyes

So, did you hit a divide in the road? or a hole? your intial story seems to indicate a divide in the road. No mention of holes. Maybe you guys have a different definition of a road divide down there, but up here, they're there to divide the road, and it's not the cities fault if you drive into it. In fact, they want you to drive into it, so you don't drive into other cars.

I wasn't there so I can't comment on your driving or how hard you hit the divide. But overcorrecting twice, panicing, and then mashing the brakes generally isn't considered good driving.

Was this the first time you ever dropped your girlfreind off, then headed back to your dorm?

HardHitter

I hit a divit which is a change in level of the road and then I hit the center divider after I lost control. I think you might have just gotten some words mixed up while reading and maybe got what happened wrong. I agree with you on the fact they have the center divider there so when things like this happen, they won't go into oncoming traffic.

It was the first time I was in a situation like this, it was unexpected, and it happened quick that yes I did panic after I knew I was not going to be able to recover (reason for just hitting the brakes) I am not a professional driver and even they have crashes where they can't recover from something.

cleoent

So why would you turn off the DSC?

I take that turn daily (part of my wretched commute) and there is no danger there. you got really unlucky and coupled with no DSC = bad outcome. Really crappy situation, but you weren't hurt and that's the most important part.

typej

I never tried driving with my DSC off in my 8 but all my friends always routinely tells me to turn traction control off so that you can spin out your tire. I think turning off traction control off and maybe getting slight loss of traction is generally considered as *COOL* thing among my age group without thinking about the safety consquences. After reading this and other thread about how DSC prevented accidents, I would not even touch DSC button. Good thing you are safe and sound, and brought good message to people to learn from.

Why are traction control and DSC still the amendities? Those should be standard by law on all cars sold! Not sure how much manufacturing cost is for those safety items that are proven to reduce or to prevent accidents. But one person saved is probably worth the whole cost.

cleoent

the technology that goes into most modern day traction control/stability control programs is not cheap. Soon it will be standard on more cars just like the airbag. My younger brother permanently disabled his traction control and has hit more objects and crashed cars then i can count on both my hands.

BlueEyes

ahhh, so divide in your initial post was divit. Now I see.

HardHitter

Ah yes, it did say divide on the first post, mistake on my part.

BoosTED

iTrader: (2)

Sorry to hear 'bout your misfortune HardHitter. I will take no stock in "because it is Silver." I refuse to. That said, I have had my misfortune disabling the DSC and Traction. As Napolean Dynamite would say to me since my wheels didn't snap their valve stems, "Lucky." Hit both front and rear at the same time both opposite of the stems. One bent rim, one curb rashed.



I am aware of what body shops charge for repair and even if they did restore it I'm not sure I would want to keep the car since the frame and body are twisted.

Quite amazing how rigid the car is to be able to withstand all that stress that was put on it.

Glad to hear you walked away practically unscathed.

BodyGuy

I'm not sure how things are done in the US but in Vancouver you're car is a total loss. The reason for that is that there is significant damage to the rear of the car where your quarter panels are welded to the car and do not unbolt for replacement. judging by the type of damage I would say from the doors back the body shop would section the car rather than straighten whats there. This is a unibody car which means the rocker panels are part of the frame and most likley suffered bad damage as well. The front for sure is toast, again probably cheaper to section the front than fix. Too much over all damage to the whole car. The tolerance right now for a unibody frame to be recertified as safe for the road is 3mm. Also remember indirect damage. if the front was hit hard enough on one side to kick over the frame then the engine is mounted to the frame on the other side, so will likely push out the frame on the opposite side. The reason you can take a hit like this and walk away is because your 8 is designed to "take the bullet" for you. Sorry man this horse is done.

seanp

Sorry to hear of your accident - glad you're OK; saddened by the loss of another RX-8!

I really must question why you drive without DSC on? It's not at all intrusive, for even very spirited driving, and will save you when you run out of talent before running out of road.

In the UK we get to go on a day of advanced driver tuition at a test facility owned by Prodrive (of Subaru rally fame, amongst other things).

This includes an adverse handling circuit (a very twisty circuit, with lots of bumps and off-camber sections); a high speed circuit (NOT a race track - normal tarmac, with puddles etc.), and a skid-pan (cobalt surfaced, not just wetted tarmac).

We learn just how the car handles in some very testing situations, and exactly what the DSC does for you; on, off and fully off.

It's NOT a good idea to turn it off, unless you really know how to control the inevitable oversteer that you'll get when attacking corners (too) fast.

Just my 2p worth - please folks: Unless you've been able to test and experience what your car does in a completely safe (and legal) environment - preferably with tuition - don't push the car beyond your own capabilities, and don't be tempted to play with DSC off.

Xyntax

^ I have been driving a base RX-8, so no DSC or TCS. I wouldn't know what an RX-8 with it would feel like. Fortunately (knock on wood), my driving skills have been calibrated to base RX-8. This means that I know my car's limits and know when and when not to play with it. If you have DSC/TCS, just remember: you paid extra for them. Use it.

Weird thing is, every time I drive my Solara (boat car), I'd feel scared and overly cautious since the steering feel, the handling, the braking, and the acceleration is way different than my 8's.

BlueEyes

What year Solara?

Xyntax

^ 2002 SE, 4-speed A/T. The one with the 2AZ-FE engine. Silver too (yikes!)

IZoomZoomI

slllygrl10

So is your car totalled?

Moostafa29

Guess he should know by now. So whats the deal Brian?

HardHitter

The insurance company has the car in their yard now, it will be about a week or so before we are told if it is totalled or not. I will keep you guys updated.

HardHitter

Okay, well, insurance company called, didn't say anything, but they called from the totalled department... :-( sad farewell, hopefully they will cover most of the stuff I've put into the car since we have receipts, who knows. :-( sucks.

BlueEyes

I don't think they do, unless you call them and tell them you put it in when you do.

HardHitter

Yeah, we already faxed in receipts and everything, we'll see what happens.

IZoomZoomI

wow they will insure your mods too?