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How could something like this come as a surprise - 400 mph on 4 wheels, what could go wrong?
Actually wheeled vehicles have gone much faster than that. Several years ago a British team successfully broke the sound barrier (700+ mph) on land, and there were others decades before that set records over 400 mph.
But you're right, pushing the boundaries always involves great risk. I'm sorry this woman lost her life, and sorry for her surviving family. I have a hard time justifying the loss of life in the pursuit of fame & fortune, but to each his own I guess.
Actually wheeled vehicles have gone much faster than that. Several years ago a British team successfully broke the sound barrier (700+ mph) on land, and there were others decades before that set records over 400 mph.
But you're right, pushing the boundaries always involves great risk. I'm sorry this woman lost her life, and sorry for her surviving family. I have a hard time justifying the loss of life in the pursuit of fame & fortune, but to each his own I guess.
Deaths from dangerous activities such as wingsuit flying, speed records, extreme mountain climbing etc get the Darwin award imo. Unless they have a secret death wish, then mission accomplished.
Sorry if I sound insensitive, just my .02 - which is .02 more than it's worth.
Deaths from dangerous activities such as wingsuit flying, speed records, extreme mountain climbing etc get the Darwin award imo. Unless they have a secret death wish, then mission accomplished.
Sorry if I sound insensitive, just my .02 - which is .02 more than it's worth.
Keep in mind, if everyone had this mindset, we wouldn't have airplanes today.
Keep in mind, if everyone had this mindset, we wouldn't have airplanes today.
Yes, I understand that. Certain things involving risk certainly have to be done for research and progress. But I don't classify all such endeavors as necessarily worth risking human life in terms of it's value to society in general. A test pilot for a new aircraft design= yes, setting a land speed record (that's actually been done before)= not so much in the grand scheme of things.
Keep in mind, if everyone had this mindset, we wouldn't have airplanes today.
Dangerous activities that advance important technologies aren't in the same category as pointless activities that merely serve to feed the ego and push the thrill button. But I'm not judging, people are free to do whatever they want with their lives - I just don't have a lot of sympathy for Darwin award winners, they knew the risks.
Back in 1977, deaf stuntwoman Kitty O'Neil averaged an official 512.710 mph for two runs in a rocket car, also at the Alvord Desert. Her rocket car had 3 wheels, not 4.: https://www.si.com/vault/1977/01/17/...lory-and-gloom
I visit that part of Oregon every now and then. The Alvord Desert is extremely remote and pristine. I'm surprised they got permission to make the speed attempt. After Kitty O'Neil, they said they would no longer allow it.
Here is a photo I took of the Alvord Desert from the mountain they mention in the article:
Well, I think it kind of cool that she went out doing what she loved. And thankfully, I doubt she suffered. Maybe she had a second to think "Oh sh**!" And that was it.
I don't understand people who kill themselves doing this sort of thing. What a waste.
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