bytex64.net/blog

If there can be bullet-time, a state where time slows down but perception does not, to the point where you can actually see bullets slowly whizzing by you, then I believe there must be something similar in the automotive world. There are moments when time just slows down, allowing you to attain the hyper-focus necessary to keep your car on the road. I had one of those moments today when the rear-end of my car broke loose while taking a corner. Here, in minute timescale, is today's harrowing incident:

t (sec)	thought
0.000	Whoa, something is odd.
0.067	The rear-end is sliding.
0.152	Cool! I'm drifting!
0.177	Wait, that's not supposed to happen.
0.196	This is a front-wheel drive car.
0.213	Front-wheel drive cars don't drift.
0.224	This is odd.
0.252	Hmm.
0.289	OH CRAP, COUNTERSTEER!

I did successfully convince the back-end to follow the front-end. Good thing, too... I had an audience — A semi and three or four cars in the opposite lane. It turns out that the car is small and light enough that with a little persuasion, the rear end will slide when it's slick. I think I really like this little two-seat Civic. :)