Stimulators and Driving Techniques

[Matthew Yip <mgyip@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In fear of beating a dead horse into dog food, here are even more of my
opinions - like anyone really gives a s__t.

Driving stimulation (or was that simulation) games are really fun and
it's neat to be able to drive a Viper or a TVR without actually having
to spend the $$.  The reality is that while the games are getting more
realistic, they are still GAMES.  For anyone who has actually spend time
on the track or at an autocross, you are assailed by numerous sensory
inputs that cannot be duplicated by a simulator - not even the
"professional" ones.  G-Forces and road feel transmiited through your
butt are invaluable to car control.  Besides, these games are geard to
be GAMES.  If you steer violently, the car may yaw slightly but it's
nothing like the real thing.  Besides, if you wreck your virtual car,
you spend virtual dollars to fix it and don't worry about virtual time
in hospital recovering from your virtual accident.

I admit that I have a Playstation and several driving games for my PC.
They're lots of fun but I have a difficult time with them since my only
inputs to the game are visual.  Ocular driving is only one aspect of the
entire driving experience.  This is probably why all my friends' kids
continually beat me at these games - they have no other point of
reference other than their eyes.

If you want to learn how to drive well, save your money on the
Playstation and PC games.  Go to the track!!!  It's the best environment
to learn and minimize the risk to yourself and the other drivers.  Just
remember to bring both your brain and an open mind - you won't be fast
and other drivers probably won't lavish you with meaningless praise
about your abilities.  Don't practice on the street - you'll look like
an arrogant a__hole and will probably endanger others.  Don't try to
find the limits immediately and cross over the edge to "experiment".
Both of these are foolhardy and only lead to the scare mongers
legislating tighter controls for drivers and, in turn, fuel the fire for
the return of the National 55 mph speed limit and other public safety
related laws.

Of course, you may feel free to ignore these if you're willing to wreck
your car and spend some time in hospital recovering.  Considering the
"performance" abilities of even the most mundane modern BMWs, the
concept of driving again should be a concern since you'll either have a
permanently revoked license or a permanently revoked brain.

'nuf said!

- --
Matthew Yip
mgyip@domain.elided

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