Safely driving a Cobra

[genolan]

I have seen several cases where drivers have died in there Cobra's from what seems to be a joy ride that has gone bad. What are some pointers to not loose control. Are there any driving safety classes in the NJ/PA/NY area

[damage]

Best safety driving tip!!!!!

Make sure your brain is connected to your right foot at all times.

[Ron61]

Get used to your Cobra and your limitations before you start taking people for rides. They handle different from any car you have ever driven. If you can find a driving class at some track that is within your range, take it by all means. I have always taken my cars out by myself for a week or two and gotten used their quirks before I would even consider giving anyone a ride. And as mentioned in the post above, be careful with the right foot as these cars will turn around in a heartbeat if you get on the at the wrong time.

Other than that, use Common Sense and you will enjoy many years of fun driving.

Ron

[saturnkk]

If you haven't already, get rid of the BF Goodrich tires for something "grippier"...

[dallas_]

If you are not going to get instruction and/or track time, at least find a big open parking lot and learn the traction limits. Deliberately spin it around a bunch to find out what it takes to lose traction.
Learn to spin from acceleration.
Learn to spin from braking.


Like so many have said, tires are really important.

[bobcowan]

National Auto Sport Association - nasaproracing.com

If you have roll bars for both seats, get some track time with an instructor. You'll learn more about car control in one week end than you will the rest of the year.

[PatBuckley]

I also like the idea of a parking lot....do some donuts. Actually do a lot of them, they are fun, and you will learn a lot.

[DesertMK4]

Never say " Watch this..."

[GregAgrest]

Hooked On Driving offers instruction and track time. I'm going to one on Friday. Supposed to be very informative and lets you push the car a bit to learn its and your limits.

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by genolan

What are some pointers to not loose control

Monitor your right foot.

With over 34000 Motor vehicle deaths in U.S. in 2012 - you can't really state driving is more or less dangerous in a cobra.

[601HP]

Here is one option.

I attended several schools. I found my limit and my car's limits, and had a lot of fun at the same time.

David

[saturnkk]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

Monitor your right foot.

With over 34000 Motor vehicle deaths in U.S. in 2012 - you can't really state driving is more or less dangerous in a cobra.

Based upon one having 300-500hp on a go-cart chassis with few if any modern safety devices, I would say more dangerous on average. That can be somewhat mitigated by responsible / alert driving.

[Maricopa]

you can't really state driving is more or less dangerous in a cobra.

Pretty sure you can 'safely' say driving an over-powered go-kart with pretty much no side impact protection, airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, etc. etc. is more dangerous than the average car on the road. I know if I have to get hit in something I'll pick my wife's Hyundai any day. I'd also imagine that given miles driven Cobras are waaaay over represented in serious collisions. Otherwise my Allstate guy would be happy to insure mine.

I've driven mine almost daily for 7 years now and even though I drive defensively (remember, the best defense is a good offense) I've had some close calls with distracted drivers and general idjits. I've also had near misses that were my fault and resulted from being an idjit. A general rule is don't be an idjit and watch out for other idjits and you'll probably be OK.

[PSB]

Buy a dash plaque that says "Respect Me or I WILL kill you!" and mount it near the igition switch to remind yourself you're not about to drive a Honda. I never actually did this on my Cobra, but it was on my list of upgrades.

[itstock]

45% of these accidents could be avoided by not hitting the gas around turns.

45% of these accidents could be avoided by not showing off by doing burn outs.

The other 10% are a mix of everything, from simply not respecting the car, going around turns to fast, to avoiding objects in the road, and everything in between.

You avoid the first two items listed and your chances of crashing are dramatically decreased. It's the same theory for just about every other high horsepower (and especially light weight) car.

[Tom Wells]

What itstock said!

Plus: don't ever allow yourself to be goaded into showing what your car can do alongside another car on the street. Unless you make me one of your beneficiaries

Tom

[rodneym]

All good suggestions, BUT ALSO...


Try not to be easily goaded. Don't let your ego get in the way. And if anyone ever gets you to play, make triple sure of your traffic surroundings, geography (trees, curbs, etc), and definately no passengers, period. It's one thing to gun it and have fun with a friend or loved one, but when that d-bag in a "Ferrarighini" tries to get you to play, only do it alone, in safe conditions and know your (and the car's) limits.

Remember, all they have to do is step on the pedal. A lot of crazier things can happen when doing that in a Cobra.

Sorry Tom Wells! I didn't see your post. Great minds, huh?

[vatdevil]

Autocross....there's a number of SCCA clubs in your state. You'll get good instruction and autocross is a blast. Don't be intimidated by those Hondas, Subarus, and Mazdas, they are fast.

[SunDude]

Simple:

Don't underestimate your Cobra's potential to bite.

Don't overestimate your driving skill.

[BOBOCobra]

I read these types of threads with interest. No disrespect intended but so much of this is just common sense. I have told my kids since they could listen that a weed eater will kill you if you don't use it right. Getting behind the wheel of any car and goofing off is a stupid thing to do. If you need signs and placards and reminders you should really do a gut check. This car is so much fun to drive, it should be a medical therapy write-off deduction because the world goes away when I am driving. I don't see the rice burners and idiots trying to goad me, but they see us (except I have found it interesting that Camaro and Vett guys will rarely look over at a stop light). Other than some street dyno tuning BY MYSELF its stupid to take chances, in any car.