Just crashed my TA. Feel free to punch me.

[Vprbite]

Maybe I'm just being overly precautions but I'm still reading comments and quotes in this thread that could possibly substantiate an insurance company's denial of a claim...

You can never be too careful!

Doubtful. Our opinion doesn't mean anything to insurance companies and even so, you are covered even during DUI's and other rediculous stuff. So even had he admitted to something boneheaded (which he clearly did not) it's still covered. They may choose to cancel him afterwards, but that is a different story. As far as I can tell, it's a standard accident like for any car, just one that is more expensive and more cared about than most.

And yes,,easily 20k of repair from my experience. And that is not knowing what the hood costs. But that's why we have insurance.

[Vprbite]

Sorry but I have to put a disclaimer...I had Nitto Invos and it was a dry day...lol...

It was dry day the day I lost my leg in the wreck, and I had INVOs that a number of people in the know have said they may have contributed to my sliding out and the whole bit that was explained in the magazine. And ask Jon B and out his thought on Invos.

[vipertank]

Damn, sorry man. I always like reading your hilarious posts...not that this one is hilarious btw. Keep us posted.

[BeBeep]

That really sucks but glad you are okay.

[Blue T/A 2.0]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Looks like it can be fixed with panels and paint. I used to travel that area from Williamsport/Muncy to Horsehead, NY when I was in the fracking business. Those roads can get nasty when the weather gets bad, especially winter time. At least you did not get injured.

[SlateEd]

oh man, Bryan so sorry to hear it! You certainly put the miles on your TA and that's awesome! sucks that rainy roadways got the best of you but I'm sure you'll be back in business before too long. no airbags = good. sounds like no suspension damage? = not likely any frame tweaking = really good.

[TexasSnake]

It was dry day the day I lost my leg in the wreck, and I had INVOs that a number of people in the know have said they may have contributed to my sliding out and the whole bit that was explained in the magazine. And ask Jon B and out his thought on Invos.

OMG! You lost your leg? I'm so sorry to hear that! I would be interested in hearing more about the Nittos...PM me if you have time. I actually liked them and even put a subsequent set on my BMW 550i.

[Viperawi]

That is really painful to see .. Glad you are OK though. We all do some stupid things and most of the time get away with it, so don't regret anything ! Fix it and run it hard again. Good luck.

[Bruce H.]

Those of you who haven't driven a Gen V in the rain would be surprised how well mannered and how much grip you do have. As with any car though you do have to drive according to the conditions. My first track day was 7 days after sitting in a Viper for the first time and it rained all day. I had only put on 500 street and highway dry weather break-in miles and didn't have a clue how it would be in the wet, or which end would lose grip first. So I played around in an unused paddock area for about 5 minutes simulating skid pad exercises and was blown away by the grip with careful use of the throttle, and how fast I could circle without it sliding...same with figure 8s. It was naturally easy to spin or slide if I gave it too much and too sudden throttle or steering input. Then I went out on the track doing over 110 mph and the only twitch I ever got was during downshifts if my rev matching wasn't bang on. Braking and cornering were all confidence inspiring. I obviously had new tires on the car, avoided driving through standing water on the track, and had invested in car control driving schools in the past. We also drove the car through a heavy rain storm during a 10 day road trip, reducing speed to a low as 40 mph at one point due to hydroplaning, with ~8000 miles on the same original Corsa tires. They're uncharacteristically good in the rain, and the regular P-Zero's are even better according to tests.

I'm never fearful of driving the Gen V in the rain on the way to, from or on the race track, but otherwise choose to only drive it in clear weather for general street use. It's good advice to invest in car control instruction and exercises to know your car's handling characteristic and limits intimately, and always drive according to road, car and driver conditions.

[Nine Ball]

Bryan, sorry to see the accident. I applaud your positive attitude on the subject, and these photos and story might help others avoid doing the same. If anything, they serve as a reminder that things can happen.

I just drove 2,500 miles in our TA about a week ago, during Power Tour. It rained half of the time, sometimes hard enough that I could only do 40 mph without hydroplaning. That was on Michelin Super Sports, and after a few events in the rain on those tires - I'm not convinced that they are good in the wet. I've run the Corsas in harder rain, and they felt more stable to me. The main issue that stuck out on your post is the use of cruise control in the rain. I've always been instructed to never do that, in any vehicle.

Tony

[Steve-Indy]

Very interesting post, lochnessmonster...should be helpful in getting all of us to pay more attention to driving our unique Beasts.

Hats off to Bryan for his very factual description of this event. I suspect many amongst us would still be looking for some scapegoat (or, more commonly, a "scapedeer" which seems to haunt Vipers).

Lots of driving insights offered in this thread...best we need same.

[v10enomous]

(or, more commonly, a "scapedeer" which seems to haunt Vipers).

I couldn't find "scapedeer" in the dictionary... yet

[Fatboy 18]

First off, Glad that You are OK (but i'm sure pride has been dented).

No one got hurt, fantastic.

Good and Honest of you to post pics too.

Best of luck getting the repairs sorted out.

If its any consolation I reversed into a flower pot yesterday and have scratched my rear bumper and it now requires a re-spray

[I Bin Therbefor]

Several years ago, my parents had a bad accident using speed control during a heavy rain in an ordinary, front wheel drive sedan.

Learned then, do not use speed control in the rain or under any marginal traction conditions.

Glad you're well - car looks very fixable.

[Steve M]

As much as it sucks to hear a story like this, I can honestly say that I've never been told to not use cruise control in the rain, although it makes sense now that I really think about it. That is something I will pass along to my wife, and my kid when she's ready to drive in about 15 years.

Sorry to hear about the accident, but thanks to those that have chimed in with insights like this.

[v10enomous]

Just out of curiosity...

What's the best Rain Tire for a GenV for daily driving or if tracking or racing is not a big priority ?

[Nine Ball]

Just out of curiosity...

What's the best Rain Tire for a GenV for daily driving or if tracking or racing is not a big priority ?

I'm going to vote Pirelli PZero (non-Corsa) or Nitto Invo. I've run all of the popular tires, on several cars. Invo's don't handle very well at the road course, but they ride smooth, have excellent straight-line traction, and work well in rain. I'm most disappointed by my Michelin Pilot Super Sports, to be honest. Not nearly as good in rain as the others, but they handle at the track VERY well for a street tire.

[Chorps]

Bryan, sorry to see the accident. I applaud your positive attitude on the subject, and these photos and story might help others avoid doing the same. If anything, they serve as a reminder that things can happen.

I just drove 2,500 miles in our TA about a week ago, during Power Tour. It rained half of the time, sometimes hard enough that I could only do 40 mph without hydroplaning. That was on Michelin Super Sports, and after a few events in the rain on those tires - I'm not convinced that they are good in the wet. I've run the Corsas in harder rain, and they felt more stable to me. The main issue that stuck out on your post is the use of cruise control in the rain. I've always been instructed to never do that, in any vehicle.

Tony

I had great confidence in my MPSCs in the ACR, did 110-130kph in pouring rain on a road trip two years ago. I was giving a bit of overthrottle to see how the rear end would step out and it was very linear, no worries or problems at all (other than cruising range, tank is too small). Mostly straight line stuff nothing too crazy.

Of course the following week I spin it after washing the car and taking a turn too fast after...those tires like to warmed up first...MPSCs don't like to be cold. They were 7 years old and got replaced after that.

[ACRucrazy]

As much as it sucks to hear a story like this, I can honestly say that I've never been told to not use cruise control in the rain, although it makes sense now that I really think about it. That is something I will pass along to my wife, and my kid when she's ready to drive in about 15 years.

Sorry to hear about the accident, but thanks to those that have chimed in with insights like this.

I would have to guess it's in every owners manual of every vehicle with cruise control. It's something I learned early on here in the snowy north. The first time your cruise breaks the tires loose unintentionally in the snow is something to remember.

From the 2013 Viper manual.

NOTE: The Electronic Speed Control system maintains
speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.

WARNING!
Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle
could go too fast for the conditions, and you
could lose control and have an accident. Do not use
Electronic Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery

2014 Users Guide

WARNING!
• Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it to go faster than you want. You could
lose control and have a collision. Always leave the Electronic Speed Control system
off when you are not using it.
• Electronic Speed Control can be dangerous where the system cannot maintain a
constant speed. Your vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. A collision could be the result. Do not use Electronic Speed Control in heavy
traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.

[Steve M]

Is that the little book that sits in the glove box? The one that gets in the way of stuff I want to put in there?

[ACRucrazy]

No idea, do they still include books? LOL Thought most manufactures went to CDs or downloads.

[Steve-Indy]

Yes, it basically same thing in the 2006 Jeep Commander (Hemi) and the 2014 Chersler 300S (Hemi) manuals...and, they are automatic transmissions !!!

In my old, conservative opinion, cruise control in any stick shift car (especially in a Viper) in an unnecessary additional hazard.

[swexlin]

The only time I ever use cruise control (and of course, it was a "first" in the Gen 5 Viper), in ANY car, is on the turnpike, when I want to briefly rest my foot. Never more than a couple minutes at a time, and never in anything but DRY, and LIGHT or NO traffic conditions. I guess I'm old school, but I want to be ready in an instant if I need to make a maneuver.

[ddominator1]

hey man.. sorry about your car.. just got a chill down my spine w that one.. esp as a TA owner.. glad ok.. car can be fixed but know prob upset that she got damaged.. i would be A MESS if mine was wrecked.. AS Arnold once said "ILL BE BACK!!

[ViperPete]

The only time I ever use cruise control (and of course, it was a "first" in the Gen 5 Viper), in ANY car, is on the turnpike, when I want to briefly rest my foot. Never more than a couple minutes at a time, and never in anything but DRY, and LIGHT or NO traffic conditions. I guess I'm old school, but I want to be ready in an instant if I need to make a maneuver.

Yup me too. I only use cruise control when on a open road or if I am tired. Otherwise with traffic constantly changing speeds, I like to be in the left lane leading the pack anyway (in any of my cars)

I get nervous when my wife uses cruise control in the middle of town. Makes no sense to me, just another reason to not pay attention to what's going on IMO