FWIW, I had the opportunity to drive that SUV model for some period of time. It’s a surprisingly luxurious SUV, super high interior finishes. But, it’s not a sports SUV like Porsche & BMW are known to make. It has a very compliant, supple suspension designed for maximum comfort not sharp handling. The steering is a bit vague as it is in some luxury models.
But, even in an X5 M or Cayenne, 83 is a big ask on that twisty stretch of road, IMO.
In any event, considering there were no indications he took any evasive action, I’m not sure it mattered. He simply drove off the road like due to inattention.
“In any event, considering there were no indications he took any evasive action, I’m not sure it mattered. He simply drove off the road like due to inattention.”
Actually, the accident began (at 83 MPH on that winding road) as the driver’s side wheel (first, followed quickly by the passenger side front wheel) hit a median strip (the road has a median strip divider), which was the point at which Woods lost control, as the entire vehicle direction turned to mount & fully cross the median and on across the pavement on the other side, to the embankment next to it, where the vehicle landed.
At 83 miles per hour in a frisky front wheel drive vehicle (and each wheel independent of the other) I think an out of control incident is imminent upon crossways (at an angle, not head on) hitting a raised median strip in the road at that speed.
Speed kills. I imagine Woods will be a different driver the rest of his life, and knows he is lucky the accident was not worse.
Agree, 65-70 perhaps, but 83 is rocking it, especially if he were texting he was going to be late.