The Thrill of Speeding: Beyond the Surface

Speeding, for many, can indeed be exhilarating. However, behind the thrill lies a complex interplay of personal beliefs, driving habits, and safety concerns. Today, we explore the mindset of individuals who prioritize safety over excitement, examining the reasons why speed is not their forte and how this attitude has influenced their approach to driving.

Personal Beliefs and Driving Habits

For many seasoned drivers, speed is not a matter of thrill but rather a matter of necessity derived from years of experience. John, a long-time biker with over 40 years of riding experience, emphasizes this point. His mantra, 'keep a couple miles an hour on the surrounding traffic,' has become a central aspect of his driving philosophy. According to John, this habit not only enhances attention but also ensures a safer driving environment. He explains:

The teachers' mantra was almost universally 'keep a couple miles an hour on the surrounding traffic,' the logic being this allows you to pay a little more attention to what's going on in front of you, which is where a bike’s two biggest threats come from. This habit has crept into all my driving and I agree with it.

This perspective underscores the importance of situational awareness and the dangers posed by distractions. For John, speed is a tool to be used judiciously, not a means to showcase bravado.

Motivations for Speeding

While many drivers find the thrill of speed exhilarating, others approach it with a sense of responsibility and caution. When speeding is not driven by the thrill but rather by the need to enjoy pushing one's vehicle to its limits, the experience takes on a different hue.

Speaking from experience, John mentions:

I don't speed for the thrill. Going fast is boring in a straight line. If I happen to be speeding on a twisty canyon road, that might be for fun but I always do so safely under my limits and the car’s limits.

This highlights the distinction between thrilling and safe speeding. For John, the fun lies in the control and safety of the journey, not in the superficial excitement of reaching high speeds.

The Left Lane Argument

For John, the left lane is a safe space to enjoy his ride, especially when driving a vehicle like a Honda Civic. He admits, with a touch of humor, ‘I tend to run with the traffic in the left lane, traffic depending on Left Lane Riders. It’d be a thrill with a 6-speed manual.’ This statement not only emphasizes his preference for maintaining a comfortable speed but also hints at the thrill he derives from certain driving scenarios.

The argument in favor of the left lane can be seen as a way to evade traffic jams and ensure safer driving conditions. However, this practice is often criticized based on the assumption that it creates a more dangerous driving situation. While John agrees that it can be a thrill, he insists on doing so within safe limits.

Driving as Survival

For John, driving is not just about reaching destinations; it is about survival. He emphasizes that his approach to driving reflects a deeper, more practical understanding of the risks involved. John shares:

I don't like to speed but since I was A2A I will. 80 is speeding to me. Speed doesn't thrill me, it scares me. Perhaps I'm a fuddy and that's fine with me.

This sentiment reflects a more mature and cautious approach to driving, where the thrill of speed is exchanged for a sense of safety and control. For John, the thrill of driving is not solely about exhilaration but about maintaining a balance between enjoyment and safety.

Public Perception and Responsible Driving

John's perspective is not just personal; it reflects a broader social and ethical responsibility. He criticizes those who speed for the thrill of it on public roadways. He mentions:

As others have said, I'm good with setting the cruise at 80 on the open road for hours at a time. But I have no desire to challenge anyone on city streets nor will I accept a challenge. It's stupid and dangerous and kills people, and I'm not interested.

John's stance also highlights the broader issue of responsible driving. His actions and reactions are a testament to the importance of adhering to speed limits and enhancing safety on the roads. His experience in an Honda Civic Facebook group where members regularly brag about how fast they go further emphasizes the need for responsible behavior. John's final statement is a call for accountability:

I'm in a Honda Civic Facebook group where members regularly brag about how fast they go. Sometimes I feel like reporting every single one of them to the appropriate authorities. Publicly admitting you raced someone and hit 140 and recorded it with your phone! is no less of a serious offense to me than driving drunk or raping someone. They are all criminal endangerment.

John's words encapsulate a deep-seated belief in the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of irresponsible behavior. His experience and philosophy serve as a reminder that the thrill of speed is not just about personal satisfaction but also about contributing to a safer driving environment.

Conclusion

The thrill of speeding is a subjective experience that varies from person to person. For some, it is a thrilling and exhilarating act, but for others, it is a responsible and controlled activity. John's journey from thrill-seeker to safety-focused driver reflects a broader understanding of the importance of responsible driving. His story underscores the need for a balanced approach to driving that prioritizes both safety and enjoyment.

Reference

John, a seasoned driver and biker, emphasized the importance of situational awareness and safety in his approach to driving. His experience and philosophy provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of driving behavior and the importance of responsible driving.