Addicted to (car) speed, want to stop
 

Hi all,

It's hard for me to write this because denial is the hardest step to overcome but I happen to drive a fast (used) car and I'm simply addicted to speed. I want to be comfortable with driving slowly but it's almost as if going slow feels like wasted time, nor do I get the same mental stimulation (it's easy to drive slowly; spirited driving requires far more attention).

The tickets (just two) haven't been a deterrent enough. I'm trying to take to heart the few times that I've been let go because I knew the officer. But overall, it just seems that driving fast, especially when I'm in a good mood, is fun and easy.

What can I do to wean myself off of speeding?

Simple, Total your car.

Get cruise control.

Or take it to a track.

Go to a race driving school that will let you drive their cars. Personally I recommend Skip Barber, but that's because I enjoy a couple of the tracks they use. They'll teach you how to handle yourself better and hopefully give you more respect for physics.

When I got a speeding ticket when I was 17, my dad took me to the junkyard and explained what happened in various crashes. That was spooky, and I didn't drive fast again until I was in my 20's. These days, I have a much heavier foot, but I've also spent some time and money learning how to drive in a variety of conditions.

macmanmike, I am a lot like you. For about 3-4 years I was able to drive the speed limit (+5), but recently have started feeling the need for speed again.

Do you pay your own insurance? Have you noticed your rates go up from the tickets? That (and now having a clean record) has had a bigger influence on me than the price of the ticket itself.
As somebody else mentioned, cruise control can help tremendously.
You can make a game out of maximizing your fuel mileage.

I'm going to be in the market to replace my daily driver soon. I'm considering something small and cheap. If I go new I'm thinking a Smart car, a Nissan Versa, or a Suzuki SX4. The SX4 would be the most fun, but the Smart would keep me slow. If you want to slow down, but can't do it on your own, consider trading your car for something with less power (although you can do 100 mph with just about anything).

Meditation (not while driving) has slowed my driving down considerably.

thanks for the ideas, they're much appreciated. in a tangential way, i think it ties in with the whole "living the moment" thing, so trying to enjoy the ride more rather than focusing on the destination is something i've tried to do, too.

i am definitely looking forward to a racing school in the future, though, ala the AMG Driving Academy (A Look At The Mercedes AMG Driving Academy 2009/2010 | eMercedesBenz - The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog)

Just curious, what car do you currently drive?

Hmm, interesting problem. Maybe try focusing on enjoying some music or spotting other cars you enjoy if your an automotive enthusiast. Anything really to take your mind off how fast your going. Also try leaving extra early for appointments so that you know that if you drive fast youre going to be bored as heck waiting for the other person to show up.

I kept thinking about how much more gas I was using when driving 85 instead of 65.

That and get a truck or something that puts you higher off the ground.

Perhaps this is the only method you currently have for getting your adrenaline pumping? Consider finding a hobby that gets your heart racing without endangering others.

It is simple for me, I had gotten pulled over by a cop when going I think 85 and was asked point blank what would happen if a deer ran out in front of me, and I realized the 2 minutes I saved in time was not worth it. Now it is different I have a wife and daughter there is no desire to go that fast just time to mellow got other people to care about.