Benz and Turnz of an Idling Mind

A few issues back, I took exception to the most current --let me take care of you-- safety feature, daytime running lights, which are being promoted mostly by that most genial of giants, General Motors. It is said widespread use will enable us to notice one another and, as a result, save --x-- lives. Well, on a recent business trip I rented (read: was provided) a car equipped with DRLs. First, they give you a sticker on the dash to advise you these lights work with the ignition, so DON'T TRY TO TURN THEM OFF, DUMMY! In the two short days I drove this vehicle, four conscientious oncoming drivers advised me by flashing their lights that I was unaware my headlights were on. Unfortunately, there is no button to tell the other driver that this is not my doing. Well, this is probably repetitive, but if GM and other manufacturers really want to make vehicles safer, they should have started a few years back with stronger seatbacks, and seat belts firmly fastened to the vehicle frame (not the door!). Perhaps my viewpoint is jaundiced by my exposure to the thinking membership of the Greater Washington Section, but personally I would rather decide when I need my lights and have them draw attention to special circumstances, like motorcycles which need to be seen or huge tractor trailer rigs that we somehow overlook.

When the center high mounted brake lights were first proposed, great projections of reduced rear end collisions and associated fatalities and injuries were predicted. Whether cause and effect can be established at all in this case is questionable, but assuming a correlation does exist, then the actual reduction is only about one-tenth of the projection. Don’t misunderstand me, all life is precious and should be protected. The most effective safety devise that can be installed in any car is an educated driver who understands his or her own limits and the limits of his or her car.

Which is an excellent segue into again inviting you and other drivers in your family to join us at an autocross. Our season has begun and it is very gratifying to see some new faces, like Brigitte Drake and her 380SL, Janet McFarland in a 1972 300SEL 4.5, Tina Dowd in her Saturn, and Chris Curcio in his E320. They were having a ball, excited about improving their times and their driving skills. Your next chance is on May 12 at NOVA, Manassas Campus.

Most of you probably know I am a diesel driver (read: nut) and I would like to share the burden that we who drive diesels (as a group) must bear. Drivers of vehicles propelled by the more typical form of fossil fuel look at us and wonder why. Well, the unwashed now include Autoweek editors who write in the Car Board about a VW Passat Diesel as follows -- "It’s actually one of the best diesels we’ve ever driven, but a good diesel is like a good headache: There’s no such thing..." and ..."who drives a diesel..." ..."Protest types and people who appreciate the old, loud, clanky sort of diesel..." We can take it. So, if there are some other diesel drivers out there who want to show off their "performance" car, come on out and join Bob Fini, Greg Harrison, Klaus Hirtes (when he gets back from Australia), and me at autocross next time.

Two favorite annual events are in the near future -- the Flea Market/Auto Bazaar on April 14 at Marriott Headquarters in Rockville and the Deutsche Marque Concours d’ Elegance on May 5. Both are wonderful times to come out and join your fellow members. A registration form for the Deutsche Marque is in the centerfold. You just have to show at the Flea Market, but if you want a table or two to sell your wares, call me to reserve a spot.

April is MBCA Membership Drive Month. A special table will be set up at the Flea Market to encourage the attendees to join MBCA. Then later in the month we will be canvassing several of the larger shopping malls. Give Tom Sheppard or Ed Ayre a call if you want to help us and join this effort. Their phone numbers are on page 18. Let’s see if we can increase our lead as the Number One MBCA Section.

Chuck