Is risk entirely bad?
#1
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Is risk entirely bad?
I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't try to manage risk well, but I think this article on mountaineering parallels motorsport, and makes a strong case that the risk of motorsport is part of its appeal:
http://www.philipebert.info/resource..._published.pdf
When we talk about safety being a goal, I think we really mean good management of risk, so that the risk level isn't excessive, but not eliminated either. When the risk level is close to zero, we're bored - not fun. When the risk level is too high, we're genuinely scared - not fun. When the risk level is optimal, we have fun.
I sense that part of my satisfaction from driving on the track comes from the thought (mostly subconscious) that I voluntarily did something 'risky' enough to create a real potential for me to get hurt or die or mess up my car, but I managed to defy that risk.
A good scenario is to create a situation where the subjective perceived risk is higher than the objective actual risk (which means you kind of have to 'fool yourself').
http://www.philipebert.info/resource..._published.pdf
When we talk about safety being a goal, I think we really mean good management of risk, so that the risk level isn't excessive, but not eliminated either. When the risk level is close to zero, we're bored - not fun. When the risk level is too high, we're genuinely scared - not fun. When the risk level is optimal, we have fun.
I sense that part of my satisfaction from driving on the track comes from the thought (mostly subconscious) that I voluntarily did something 'risky' enough to create a real potential for me to get hurt or die or mess up my car, but I managed to defy that risk.
A good scenario is to create a situation where the subjective perceived risk is higher than the objective actual risk (which means you kind of have to 'fool yourself').
#2
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risk is the spice of a well-lived life
- 9800 skydives
- 1873 BASE jumps
- 34 years of mountaineering
- 45+ years of riding roady bikes (the most risky IMO)
- a bit of time doing track days, but not racing
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I'll have to read this article. My FIL is an internationally certified mountain guide for over 40 years. The parallels from guiding to car instructing are really interesting and similar. The biggest difference is how they evaluate risk and how it factors into all their decisions.
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#6
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It's a delicate balance as suggested. If we weren't drawn to the risk, we'd all be doing sims instead of driving on the track for real. Sure would be more convenient!
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Yes, but then you could break a nail on the paddle shifter, or hurt your back getting into your rig. There is no such thing as zero risk. OP nailed it, safety is about managing risk, not eliminating it. There is definitely a satisfaction that comes with defying risk, and personal tolerance for risk is different. While cgfen may "seem" to be very risk tolerant, I'll bet dollars to donuts, he understands the risks well and works hard to manage them (eg. training, practicing, checking gear, packing chute, backup plans, etc).
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#8
Three Wheelin'
it is not just risk and how you manage it but also how you perceive fear. I am going to watch Free Solo this weekend and was reading this article which talks about it:
http://nautil.us/issue/39/sport/the-...t-solo-climber
http://nautil.us/issue/39/sport/the-...t-solo-climber
#10
Drifting
it is not just risk and how you manage it but also how you perceive fear. I am going to watch Free Solo this weekend and was reading this article which talks about it:
http://nautil.us/issue/39/sport/the-...t-solo-climber
http://nautil.us/issue/39/sport/the-...t-solo-climber
#11
Three Wheelin'
Yes, but then you could break a nail on the paddle shifter, or hurt your back getting into your rig. There is no such thing as zero risk. OP nailed it, safety is about managing risk, not eliminating it. There is definitely a satisfaction that comes with defying risk, and personal tolerance for risk is different. While cgfen may "seem" to be very risk tolerant, I'll bet dollars to donuts, he understands the risks well and works hard to manage them (eg. training, practicing, checking gear, packing chute, backup plans, etc).
#12
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I once jumped from a roof into my friends pool so we are both professionals.
On another note, I skimmed the article and it was fairly well done. I often tell my clients that if you want zero risk you get zero return. You want the smart and informed risk which you can tolerate. Everyone's risk level is not the same so different people make different decisions.
I have never once driven a car on track hoping that things will be OK through luck. Luck is the residue of design.
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On another note, I skimmed the article and it was fairly well done. I often tell my clients that if you want zero risk you get zero return. You want the smart and informed risk which you can tolerate. Everyone's risk level is not the same so different people make different decisions.
I have never once driven a car on track hoping that things will be OK through luck. Luck is the residue of design.
I have never once driven a car on track hoping that things will be OK through luck. Luck is the residue of design.
#15
Three Wheelin'
If there weren't any perceived risk to driving on the track, it wouldn't be as thrilling/appealing. It's a matter of how much risk you like.