Why are some people so stupid? (graphic)

"My sister works in an hospital back home in NZ as an orderly"

This is real close to discloseing confidential information. Most hospitals will FIRE employees who discuss these sorts of things with this much detail. Under the new HEPPA rules, your sister may have NO JOB if the wrong person sees this.

I think drag racing is one of the stupidest things! We have quite a few crashes here in Florida due to it. Someone is almost always killed. I really just think that young people feel invincible. They don't think they could get hurt. That happens to other people.

I just hate to hear when they kill or maim some poor innocent bystander. I htink your sister has the right idea showing people what could happen.

I thought the HEPPA regulations only applied to medical facilities within the United States?

Something similiar happened to one of my son's friends. This friend was racing another boy on a country road somewhere when the two cars ran into each other. The friend received severe leg injuries and will spend the rest of his life walking with a cane. My son called this "playing chicken" when he told me about it, but he didn't go into a lot of detail.

They would still think they were invincible, and that the really tragic things in life only happen to other people and NEVER to them.

When I was growing up, we lived on a quiet residential street. Late one night, my dad heard a car going past our house at a very high rate of speed, and heard a very loud crash a second later. Since he is trained in emergency first aid and CPR, my dad immediately ran outside to help. The car was at the end of our block, and it had hit a street light with so much force it was almost bent in half. One teenage boy was killed instantly, and the other one died at the scene a few minutes later. The police said the car had been going about 80 mph at the time of the crash.

If HEPPA is a federal law, then its a US thing only. It would have to be in NZ law.

Why do they keep insisting in those races? We've had many crashes due to such races around here. Can't they see its not worth it?????

Around a month ago, a close friend of mine and of Vicky, Karla passed away in a traffic accident. I've already experienced and seen first hand the agony such an event brings... We still sometimes start crying when we think about her. I can't simply start to imagine how it has affected the family and friends of that girl. If only they would think about that before jumping in the race.

HIPPA is a USA law, it does not apply to any other country. Also, I don't see any identifying information in the post, so I can't see anything wrong with it...even if it was posted by someone working in the USA.

But, of course, that is besides the point. The point of this thread is that an idiot took her own life and potentially the lives of a mother and daughter just so she could get some thrills. Not to be harsh, but I don't feel a whole lot of sorrow that this teen took herself out of the gene-pool, but it breaks my heart that she hurt two others on her way out.

Will the daughter and mother who she hit be alright? I hope their injuries weren't life threatening. I cant imagine being hit that hard and judging by what her injuries were, she had to be flying.

My son was almost hit last year when he lost control of his bike and ran out into the street. Same time a car came down the road doing every bit of 60mph (in a residential neighborhood). When I yelled a few choice words at the driver, he came back and yelled at me like he was not doing anything wrong at all. It is really irritating that people have so little regard for anyone and are so careless.

From someone who used to be "behind the scenes" of the racing, usually these kids that get killed are just the ones who are, I don't know how to put this without making it sound bad, but they are trying to get popular, or noticed by saying they raced someone. A lot of these are high school kids unfortunately. Out here in California after each one of these racing movies comes out more and more kids get killed. Unfortunately some of these kids don't know much about the racing aspects and what needs to be done to keep your car safe. When I saw the second the fast and the furious, most of those cars they had on there "racing" wouldn't have been able to handle that much pressure. At the high school I went to for 3 years, these guys just thought that if they had NOS (Nitrous Oxide Systems) in their car, they would automatically be cool and win all races. Unforunately a lot of cars can't handle NOS, for example a 98 Mustang's engine most definatly would not be able to handle it. If kids even tried putting this in some of their cars they would be commiting suicide (they would blow themselves up). Unfortunately what I am saying is they are kids and very uneducated about this. If you have a teenage son that is interested in this, take away his keys at night, almost all races occur around midnight, the ilegals (ilegal street races, many people go, they run from cops until they can find a warehouse to park and then start up the races at 2 am) you might be able to save their life just by not letting them drive. Another thing is these usually go along hand in hand with alcohol and drugs, I am not saying all kids that race do this, but from everyone I have seen they do. If you have anymore questions about this you can pm me, there is just too much to say!

Since the Nitrous was mentioned, I thought I would add to that. Around here people put the tanks on motorcycles aka: "crotch rockets". My boyfriend made a profession of drag racing motorcycles--legally, until he broke both legs and was hospitalized for several months with various other internal injuries as well. Being in a professional setting like that still did not stop the injuries that would have killed him had he not been wearing so much protective gear. My point is, I see kids running all over town in tank tops and shorts kicking the nitrous (which is illegal here) in gear and shooting off like a rocket and most eventually do end up severely hurt or dead.

Thats not always the case. It depends on what jet size you are using, such as a 50, 75, 100, etc. and what type of setup (wet, dry, etc.) Im sure a 98 Mustangs engine could hold a 50.
Ive built my car(the turbo 92!!!) up to race(minus the body), and I know very well what Im doing. I agree though that some people don't have a clue. <-- Usually the rich ones!!!
Anyway, yes we race for fun, money(to a much lesser extent), and to get noticed by other, better, racers.
In the summer Im usually out on State St. saturday nights from about 11PM-3AM. Ive never seen anyone wreck, or kill anyone.
Now I don't race up to very dangerous speeds, but a little traffic light skirmish is always fun.
Now the problem with the police setup is that one cop just can't handle a 3 or 4 car race. Unless the race has been organized for a long time, which is unlikely nowadays in Utah, they can't call for backup fast enough. You have 4 cars, one cop... cop puts his lights on, all the cars split up, and he has to choose one target. So combined with the chance that the cop won't be at the right place at the right time, the odds of getting caught are slim.
Also, I think N2O is legal as long as the main lines aren't connected, making it useless.... unless of course you carry some tools in your car to set it up when needed.


Later,
Brandon

How true. Many people, especially young people, hold this belief until something tragic happens to them, or those close to them. The lucky ones learn the lesson before they kill somebody else, or are killed themselves. As a teenager, I had a Mustang with a V8 engine, and frequently drove much too fast or even under the influence. My "moment of truth" came one early morning (about 3 a.m.) when my then s.o., a cop, and I were coming home from NYC on the interstate. There was virtually no traffic, and L. was doing about 65 - 70 m.p.h., when somebody in a small sports car whizzed past us. L. said, "He won't live long if he keeps that up." Not even five minutes later, we saw an accident up ahead. The sports car had driven under a big tractor trailer pulling out of a rest area. L. stopped, and went to see what he could do, instructing me to set up flares and get on the CB to notify the staties (no cell phones in those days). When I had done that, I ran up, and promptly tripped over something in the road, landing on my hands and knees. L., who had a flashlight, told me not to look, so naturally I did. I had tripped over the Karman Ghia driver's head! That happened 25 years ago, and I still have occasional nightmares about it, but ever since then I've been very careful not to exceed speed limits or to mix drinking and driving.
Drag racing, or simply speeding, is so stupid and irresponsible, as is DUI. If I live to be 90, I'll never forget that night.

Holy cow! That is beyond horrific. I'm not surprised that you still have nightmares over that. *shudder*

Oh my Gosh! What an experience. Sorry you had to go through it.

My ex-bf had a 98 mustang, mostly stock, of course if you wanted to change out engines you could definately use nos, but what I really meant is stock.

Actually I have noticed that most the rich kids that do this don't have a clue as well, I just didn't want to say that because I don't know all of them, just the ones from the schools I have been to...heh, maybe this is true because they go buy an expensive car, and then expect it to do all the things a souped up Supra would do?(I am still in love with supras, even though I am out of the racing scene/import scene)


That is so odd, just a question, is your town somewhat small? When I went to an organized (illegal) race, there were hundreds and hundreds of cars. All cars stayed in gas station parking lots, packed full. When a cop would drive towards a station, people would run to their car and flee. Now I don't know what the cop would have done if he even caught someone. These races didn't happen often because to many cops knew what was going on, especially with helicopters.

I am pretty sure nos is illegal here, I don't know about just having it, not hooked up, but I think it may still be illegal. But now they have sound systems made to look like nos (sos) actually it has been around for awhile, but still.
Sometimes I just wish all those movies didn't come out, it might of saved a lot of lives, since the kids watching it, were mainly the ones who worked on the exterior of the car, and then think the car will perform the same as the ones on tv.

Ok I have lost my train of thought now, so thats all!

Oh I see your in Cali Yeah the scene is probably a lot bigger then around here. Here the biggest race show up you could hope for is 50 cars. Hundreds though! Woah, thatd be fun Might be that Cali has outlawed Nos. Racings probably a lot bigger issue there so the police probably take extra steps to ensure it doesn't happen.
I live in Salt Lake, so its the biggest city in Utah (I think :???: )
I guess theres just not much passion for racing here. Oh well.
Supras are the best! I mean the 93 and up of course. Either one of those, a 300ZX, or an Eclipse GSX is my next car... at least I hope.


Later,
Brandon

The information posted doesn't have any information that reveals the identity of the people involved. There isn't anything wrong with it.

This thread hits close to the bone for me. Still I'm going to say my piece.

I know someone who personally died in a a car accident and I have narrowly missed serious injuries, possibly death due to some kids playing chicken and by being on the road during an illegal drag race.

I am vehemently opposed to illegal drag racing and other associated activities. I would rather see legal drag racing in a designated area where it doesn't pose a risk to the rest of the community who want nothing more than to drive at the speed limit without the aid of nitrous oxide.

It doesn't matter how much mechanical knowledge you have or how much control you have over the car. Racing on surburban streets, isolated road or highway, whatever takes your fancy does not give you the guarantee that everything will be alright. You cannot predict the public, and by the way, they do have every right to use that particular stretch of road, more so than the racers as they are there illegally. And because of that, accidents can occur because safety isn't the concern. That is what makes it so dangerous. That's even before the alcohol, drugs and tempers fly. And, no I am not going by what is in the movies. I've seen some of the so called 'scene' first hand when I was giving a blood covered driver younger than me first aid. His friends had scattered leaving him for dead, they would rather evade the law rather than save a human life. And this was the same driver that almost ran into me head on. This driver is now a quadraplegic. I'm grateful that I don't have to worry about him being behind a wheel of another car.

This may sound cold. As far as I'm concerned, there should be outrage over a death caused by illegal street racing, but only at those who decide to place the lives of innocent members of the community at risk. Sympathy to the family and life lost, even if it is the driver's. But I will not feel sorrow for the driver, even if they were Humanitarian of the Year.

I agree 100% but would add that they are self-centered, selfish, self-absorbed dumbasses.

Anyone who is willing to kill themselves and others just to be cool ranks pretty low on my list.

The other problem would be people thinking anyone with a fixed up racing car is a street racer, I don't think there should he racing on streets, but I do think that they need more tracks for them to race without injuring and/or killing any bystanders. Thats where the next problem comes in.....we have a sacramento race track but only street legal cars may race, a car that isn't legal could be something so little as tinted windows, or mufflers. There needs to be a track that all cars can race on. When these kids go on a public street it is, for lack of better words, idiotic. No matter how much they think it is empty, some people can come out of no where. They are risking anyones life who drives, I also believe they need more punishment then they really get. I just think our system is messed up, someone who deals drugs gets more time in prison then a murderer! But I can't change that so oh well... None of these people deserved to die, and there is definately not enough measures to stop this from happening again!

Kellye, that's a good link. Brandon, you might find it quite interesting (hint, hint)!

Interesting link! It's good specially for those who like to race but ain't stupid enough for the open street. What I find really interesting is that there are two tracks in Puerto Rico. Both at less than 30 min. from me. Curious how can things you'd never expect here are sitting a few minutes from where you live.

Brandon, I wonder if you've seen this before? http://mrmom.amaonline.com/PleaseGod.htm

Warning: Its a tear jerker.

That's so sad. I spend a great deal of my time worried sick about my other half, the nature of his job means he has to travel a lot all over the country. I know he's a good, safe and careful driver but I also know a lot of other people are not. I've lost count of the number of 'near misses' we have had in the car because of inconsiderate drivers.

Just yesterday I was driving home and another driver pulled out of a car park at speed and almost hit the side of my car, I had to do an emergency stop because they were to lazy/preoccupied/arrogant (please select one) to check whether there was traffic coming and I can only assume that they were also under the impression that they were indestructable!

I know we all have lapses of concentration but the driver swore at me (even though it was my right of way) made 'imaginative' gestures and then pulled off so quickly the tyres squealed and left skid marks on the road. If I hadn't been so shaken I would have taken the registration number and reported him, I pity the next person who 'gets in his way' and can only hope he learns his highway code before he kills someone. Just to add that it's not always youngsters, the driver looked to be late forties early fifties.

There is a reason that only street legal cars are allowed to race. These would be related to safety issues. Street racers do not hold professional racing licences and therefore are required to follow the law just like everyone else in regards to their vehicle. I would also like to add that it's a lot more difficcult in meeting the requirements of a racing licence than your normal driving licence as you are expected to such as being able to handle the situation when the car is hurtling out of control, or regain control during a skid etc.

The problem comes in with people who own souped up cars who have not followed any legal requirements expecting to be allowed to drive their cars, let alone race them in a controlled environment.

And if those cars are not street legal, then those cars may require transportation to and from the location of the race depending on the offending modification.

That is sooooooo unbelieveabley sad. Why do people do stupid things like that anyways, especially when they know the dangers that are involved.

Jcat, I race at the track when its open. I really love the environment there, but its not open for very long.
Lorie, thats a sad story.
I think for me racing and cars goes a lot deeper than I think. Its become a pretty big part of my life. Ive made plenty of friends that I can count on for lots of things, it keeps me focused on my work and such because it offers a sort of "getaway" experience from everyday life, and ive learned a lot form it. It may not be the best thing to go out and do to escape for awhile, but its what I do. Without it, theres just not much going for me. Sooo, mabye when I get accepted to college I'll rethink my desicion, but for now... I doubt it.
The race track opens sometime in April, so I'll be out there as much as I can anyway.

Later,
Brandon