http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister...le_1679182.php
http://www.mustangblog.com/index.php...y-gt500-wreck/

 

That's one hell of a costly mistake.

He can now give an accurate review on what it feels like to have that much power and not enough experience.

 

I am so tired of auto writers who are not drivers or mechanics.
He describes himself as a car nut and a published writer.
I don't see how that makes him an expert on the operation of an extreme motor vehicle.

 

my heart goes out to the womans family

 

Very sad, very very sad

 

Wow one of those freak tragic things. You never know whan your time may come I wonder what they meant by "shifting manuever". Was he speed shifting or just having a hard time with the shifter?

 

It could be that he shifted on uneven terrain. This is enough to send the car out of control at just about any speed. It is primariily a drag car and shifting while going into a turn, instead of prior to or exiting the apex, can be dangerous.

Although sold to the Public, it is indeed an extreme motor vehicle; - not the kind normally driven by the masses and therefore, it is likely that the majority of us are not experianced with it. That being said, accidents will happen but as I had been told under instruction, that 90% of accidents can be prevented with the application of learned skill. This learned skill comes with seat time in the specific vehicle and trained teaching.

Prayers and condolences to both the driver and the passenger.

 

From the pics it seems the chosen location was a poor choice.

There is quite a bit of damage which might point to the car's speed at the time. Making matters worst it is very likely its black box will be looked into.

 

I've driven the Pacific Coast Hwy. from LA to SF, ironically in a brand new (at the time) 1994 Mustang GT. It's a pretty challenging road for even the best of drivers. Sounds to me like this guy was pushing the car beyond HIS ability to control it, and an innocent pedestrian paid the price for his lack of judgement. I see years of therapy and a lot less automotive testing in this person's future.

 

Hmmm, interesting, I don't see that story posted on Autoblog...

 

When I first bought my Mustang home, an older gentleman says to me; "Do you know the most dangerous time to own a high powered car? The first two weeks of ownership." Good point... Whether it's 210, 300, 319 or 500 horsepower, any of these Mustangs or ANY car can be dangerous.
My heart goes out to the family for their loss.

 

wonder if a lawyer will suggest it is Ford's fault for putting excessive power/not enough traction...seems these days its always 'someone elses fault'...my condolences to all involved

 

Good point;- I never thought about the Black Box. It should tell some useful information as to the speed, etc.

It does come down to driving location choice as well, yes, in making sure the road and weather conditions allow for safer performance driving.

 

The car doesn't make the driver, it's just the opposite although many will disagree and proven by some of the amateurish stories posted on these boards. Those who fail to take time to get to know their cars and their own limitations wind up paying the price sooner or later.

 

Well said. In having my GT500 almost a year now, and taking the time to grow with the car, I can appreciate the fact that it takes time to understand the car's merits and my own limitations. In knowing these limitations, I make choices to take care in questionable situations that I know I am not experianced with. When the experiance is gained, then I shall participate fully in them. Meanwhile, a better learning experiance develops whilst the safety is maintained during the progress.

When the previous Ford GT came to Market and there was news of so many accidents (similar with the Viper), it is a message to be careful in a new car that you are not yet familiar with. When the GT500s came out; -within a couple of months, there has been several totaled in my area alone.