Aggressive driving tips
 

Hopefully this thread will be just as useful as the safe driving tips thread. Share your tips for negotiating the roadways at peak efficiency!

Driving fast in the right lane: When I'm travelling at >10+ MPH, I like to stay as far right as possible. You're less likely to be pulled over, and ironically, it usually allows you to travel faster than the guys who hang out in the left lane, since nobody likes driving in the far right lane, especially on 3+ lane highways. The only exception:

Own the middle lane: During periods of medium density traffic, the middle lane is often best. This allows you two options for passing, right or left, whereas in the extreme lanes you can only pass on one side.

Don't use turn signals: This lets people know you want to get in front of them. You've probably been driving in a manner which pisses them off, and even if not, most people won't want you in front of them anyways. Don't give them more information than is necessary to stop you. Just wait until a safe opportunity presents itself, and gogogo. By the time they realize you're coming over, it's too late.

Force your way into traffic: Someone already established in a lane may have the legal right of way, but if you want his spot, you have the physical advantage as merging traffic. If someone is providing at least a foot of space between him and the car in front, start to change lanes as the gap is about 3/4 of the way back on your car. Push as far as you can into his lane without hitting either car. You can use your turn signal here, but only after you've started to change lanes. It's telling the guy you don't intend to change lanes, you ARE changing lanes, so GTFO of the way. Since your car's nose angles in first, you can squeeze it right into the gap, and if you do it right, you're essentially creating a situation where the car behind will have to make a conscious decision to run into your car if he wants to continue fighting for position. No one ever does this. You win every time.

Using onramps to pass: This is especially useful on 2 lane highways, which I drive on a lot. Many times you'll see a slow moving truck trying to pass another slow moving truck but the truck being passed is being a douchebag and doesn't see any reason why he should have to change the way he's driving, so sometimes you're stuck for literally miles going 10 under the speed limit because the truck just can't make the pass. A good solution is to use onramps to pass on the right. They are usually long enough to get past a slow moving semi trailer. Passing at highway speeds on shoulders can be dangerous, onramps are guaranteed to be clean and solid surfaces. When you see an exit sign coming up, get ready.

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asian/woman driving tips
sorry I couldn't resist [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

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You are scum.

Edit: Erp. Didn't see rival thread.

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You realize that society would crumble to pieces if everyone drove like you right?

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I like to stay as far right as possible. You're less likely to be pulled over

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Really? The cops in my city hang out exclusively on the right shoulder. They don't try to nail left lane traffic at all. No way to lie in wait, and it involves changing several lanes once pulling the guy over to the curb.

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I like to stay as far right as possible. You're less likely to be pulled over

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Really? The cops in my city hang out exclusively on the right shoulder. They don't try to nail left lane traffic at all. No way to lie in wait, and it involves changing several lanes once pulling the guy over to the curb.

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Your case may be an exception. I usually see cops hanging out on the left. There have been plenty of times where I would have been caught speeding, but as the cop came into view there happened to be a car in the left lane between us and it gave me just enough time to slow down.

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LOL OP is awesome. You can also easily pass on the shoulder of most 2 line highways. However, be very careful passing on the shoulder if you're passing someone you've already pissed off :{

Also those "right lane must exit" lanes are excellent for getting ahead. You can pretty much drive up to the latest possible merge point and then force yourself in.

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You realize that society would crumble to pieces if everyone drove like you right?

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If everyone drove like me these techniques would be unnecessary. I see people on the road all the time driving as efficiently as I do, and I am happy to stay behind them, or in front of them, or maintain whatever position we have to eachother.

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The worst is when those cops control traffic. If I get caught not being aware of their presence while weaving, fine, I'm nailed. But when cops drive a leisurely 55 for 10 miles and the entire goddamn highway wont go any faster, very very annoying.

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Don't use turn signals: This lets people know you want to get in front of them. You've probably been driving in a manner which pisses them off, and even if not, most people won't want you in front of them anyways. Don't give them more information than is necessary to stop you. Just wait until a safe opportunity presents itself, and gogogo. By the time they realize you're coming over, it's too late.

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QFT. i use this tactic all the time. most drivers are rude and insecure and will speed up if you indicate by using your blinker.

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LOL OP is awesome. You can also easily pass on the shoulder of most 2 line highways. However, be very careful passing on the shoulder if you're passing someone you've already pissed off :{

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Yes, sometimes it's safe, and I do it very rarely (like only twice that I can remember). Usually I have to go like somewhere between 70-90 to make the pass quickly though, and at that speed even a few little loose rocks can be dangerous. And yes I pissed off a semi once, just cutting him off a bit cause he was taking too much time in the left lane, he got back in front of me when the right lane started moving faster than the left, and then made a point of blocking me. When I tried to pass him again he literally ran me off the road. I was lucky that there were no street signs on that part and the grass was firm.

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Also those "right lane must exit" lanes are excellent for getting ahead. You can pretty much drive up to the latest possible merge point and then force yourself in.

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Excellent advice, especially in gridlocked traffic.

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Force your way into traffic: Someone already established in a lane may have the legal right of way, but if you want his spot, you have the physical advantage as merging traffic. If someone is providing at least a foot of space between him and the car in front, start to change lanes as the gap is about 3/4 of the way back on your car. Push as far as you can into his lane without hitting either car. You can use your turn signal here, but only after you've started to change lanes. It's telling the guy you don't intend to change lanes, you ARE changing lanes, so GTFO of the way. Since your car's nose angles in first, you can squeeze it right into the gap, and if you do it right, you're essentially creating a situation where the car behind will have to make a conscious decision to run into your car if he wants to continue fighting for position. No one ever does this. You win every time.

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i also use this one routinely, it's great. i'd probably be a bit more leery if i drove a better car, however. i love the looks on those [censored] faces when they realize they have to let me in [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

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You realize that society would crumble to pieces if everyone drove like you right?

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If everyone drove like me these techniques would be unnecessary. I see people on the road all the time driving as efficiently as I do, and I am happy to stay behind them, or in front of them, or maintain whatever position we have to eachother.

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I'm sure your definition of efficient means driving at no less than 80mph. While the roads may be capable of handling traffic at that speed I don't think most drivers are. And if your 'efficient' method puts you at a speed that is consistently 10-20 mph faster than everyone else than it is going to be hard to drive in a manner that does not require your kamikaze techniques. Unless you have a really long commute then the time you save by driving like this is almost negligible. I mean, I used to drive like you when I was 16, but then I grew up.

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You realize that society would crumble to pieces if everyone drove like you right?

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If everyone drove like me these techniques would be unnecessary. I see people on the road all the time driving as efficiently as I do, and I am happy to stay behind them, or in front of them, or maintain whatever position we have to eachother.

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I'm sure your definition of efficient means driving at no less than 80mph. While the roads may be capable of handling traffic at that speed I don't think most drivers are. And if your 'efficient' method puts you at a speed that is consistently 10-20 mph faster than everyone else than it is going to be hard to drive in a manner that does not require your kamikaze techniques. Unless you have a really long commute then the time you save by driving like this is almost negligible. I mean, I used to drive like you when I was 16, but then I grew up.

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your screenname+this post=irony.

also, there's a certain level of enjoyment to be derived from driving in this fashion. i, for one, can't stand going slowly. in fact, i'll often take a backroute when there's traffic that would be longer than just sitting in the traffic riding it out just so i can remain mobile.

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You realize that society would crumble to pieces if everyone drove like you right?

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If everyone drove like me these techniques would be unnecessary. I see people on the road all the time driving as efficiently as I do, and I am happy to stay behind them, or in front of them, or maintain whatever position we have to eachother.

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I'm sure your definition of efficient means driving at no less than 80mph. While the roads may be capable of handling traffic at that speed I don't think most drivers are. And if your 'efficient' method puts you at a speed that is consistently 10-20 mph faster than everyone else than it is going to be hard to drive in a manner that does not require your kamikaze techniques. Unless you have a really long commute then the time you save by driving like this is almost negligible. I mean, I used to drive like you when I was 16, but then I grew up.

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lol at the irony of who's posting this...

edit: oops leehrat beat me to it...

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While the roads may be capable of handling traffic at that speed I don't think most drivers are.

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This is true, but I was assuming that the hypothetical situation where all drivers drove like me would, I guess, make everyone capable of driving like me.

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Unless you have a really long commute then the time you save by driving like this is almost negligible.

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15,000 miles since Christmas.

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15,000 miles since Christmas.

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fair enough

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I wanna drive fast...

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While the roads may be capable of handling traffic at that speed I don't think most drivers are.

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This is true, but I was assuming that the hypothetical situation where all drivers drove like me would, I guess, make everyone capable of driving like me.

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Unless you have a really long commute then the time you save by driving like this is almost negligible.

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15,000 miles since Christmas.

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They don't let you fly the helicopter home?

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How can you talk about efficiency when you took the time to write up a long-ass post about using turn signals.

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On the highway, when it is crowded and there seems to be no way through, remember the old speedway saying : "Only the best go four abreast"

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15,000 miles since Christmas.

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wow...and I thought you were always online playing. What forces you to drive so damn much?

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Main street tactics, some obvious ones.

When approaching a red light, always get into the lane with the fewest cars.

If a light ahead of you turns red on a 2-lane street and there are 2 cars ahead of you (both in the same lane) and one of them changes lanes to the empty lane. Get behind him. Although you don't know anything about the other driver, you at least know that this guy is conscious about saving time driving and is likely to go fast enough for you to pass the other car and get to the front.

In Toronto, on streets like Danforth, there are a lot of traffic lights. There are 2 lanes, but the right lane is often exclusively for parking, however, at red lights, you can typically find your way into it and pass several cars. When the light turns green, you'll either pass the car in the left lane, or if he's fast enough, you can easily get right behind him.

If you're the first car at a red light, don't drive all the way up to the intersection. Leave a little room so you can start rolling for extra speed when it turns green... essenatial for passing situations like the one I mentioned previously.

Also, similar to the highway advice, if you're approaching a crowded intersection and the there's a 'right lane must exit' lane, get into it and use the rolling technique to pass the guy in the right lane right away.

Always look far ahead. I've been in the left lane of a two lane street and noticed a car 10 cars ahead of me signaling when there's no turn lane. I get over to the right lane and pass him and the nine cars that were in front of me because they were too oblivious or didn't think fast or pay attention.

Don't stop at stop signs. You can almost always see that it's clear only barely slowing down, especially when turning right.

Expert move: Timed perfectly, you can turn left when the light turns green before the opposing traffic gets a chance to start moving. Usually only possible on specific intersections, or with a rolling start.

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i'll add a move that i like. if you're stopped at a red light in the right-hand lane on a 2-lane street with another car alongside you and you see that the lane will be narrowing to 1-lane after the intersection, don't pull all the way up alongside the other guy. you're going to have to beat him off the line to get ahead of him before the road narrows and you don't want to tip him off too early. sandbag a bit and hang back; make him think that he's in control and then take him.

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15,000 miles since Christmas.

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wow...and I thought you were always online playing. What forces you to drive so damn much?

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I haven't played online since October. And even before then it was only a few thousand hands/month at the most. I drive a lot between my old home in southeast Alabama, my soon to be new home in Tennessee, Atlanta where I liked to hang out on the weekends because there's nothing in Alabama, Maryland where I grew up and have friends/family, Tunica for poker when I'm in the SE, and AC for poker when I'm in MD. I never fly because I hate not having a car, and I don't mind driving.

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I take issue with OP's assertion that in heavy traffic, the middle lane is best. I spent insane amount commuting in DC and my observations was that most times, the right lane is best. The logic behind this is that during low volume traffic, the lane's occupants willing to go fast is primary. During high volume, density controls -- and since almost everyone is like "ugh, f'in right lane. I'm going to get left NOW", this usually leaves the right lane open. The exception is during heavy merges, at which point get middle and be an [censored] not allowing the inchers to but into your territory. Also, middle lane has two exits, but also two extrances; this means too many people are going to merge into your lane and cause it to slow down.

Other tips for solid aggressive driving; if you see someone coming up fast in your rearview, let him pass then proceed to speed up and tail him. Imagine a cop on the median and angle yourself in such a way that the cop could not get a radar on you without hitting the fast car first.

I completely agree that right lane driving is where it's at. Only thing to be wary of is getting boxed in on the left and right -- see those boxes before the come and go left to avoid.

I don't agree with passing in the on-ramps; that's too risky. I'm not attempting to get myself killed here, just trying to get to my destination as quick as possible, as safely as possible.

I have more theories on driving efficiently than anyone I know ... it's kind of sad.

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Own the middle lane: During periods of medium density traffic, the middle lane is often best. This allows you two options for passing, right or left, whereas in the extreme lanes you can only pass on one side.

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Hahaha, I do this. Everything else you mention is dick though.

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The Head Fake

Say you want to change lanes left, but there's an ass who intentionally closes the gap just when you think you can make it. Look over your right shoulder a couple times while monitoring your left mirror. He'll get complacent, and that's when you make your move.

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I take issue with OP's assertion that in heavy traffic, the middle lane is best. I spent insane amount commuting in DC and my observations was that most times, the right lane is best. The logic behind this is that during low volume traffic, the lane's occupants willing to go fast is primary. During high volume, density controls -- and since almost everyone is like "ugh, f'in right lane. I'm going to get left NOW", this usually leaves the right lane open. The exception is during heavy merges, at which point get middle and be an [censored] not allowing the inchers to but into your territory. Also, middle lane has two exits, but also two extrances; this means too many people are going to merge into your lane and cause it to slow down.

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Yes, middle lane is good for medium density traffic, not so heavy where youre routinely forced to slow down, but not so light that you can cruise in a single lane and never run into anyone. For heavy traffic you better know the patterns specific to that area. Usually when a highway fills up there are certain lanes over certain stretches that will almost always be fastest for whatever reason.

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I don't agree with passing in the on-ramps; that's too risky. I'm not attempting to get myself killed here, just trying to get to my destination as quick as possible, as safely as possible.

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This shouldn't be necessary in the DC area. I do it on 2 lane highways and only when the guy in the left lane is passing so poorly that occasionally the guy in the right lane makes up ground on him. Sometimes this goes back and forth a really long time.

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D10 - good thread topic. We share a good number of ideas on how one should approach driving (esp w/ regards to fellow cars on the road). Safety does not seem to be one of them. Living w/ my gf, I watch a little too much discovery health shows to pass on the shoulder or f with 18whlrs.

What about a thread on safest ways to feck with ppl on the road...<Bob>Is that something you might be interested in?</Bob>

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The Head Fake

Say you want to change lanes left, but there's an ass who intentionally closes the gap just when you think you can make it. Look over your right shoulder a couple times while monitoring your left mirror. He'll get complacent, and that's when you make your move.

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You actually believe that other people are looking at your head while driving?

Just move fast without signaling, as OP says. It won't make any difference what the other guy thinks.

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I take issue with OP's assertion that in heavy traffic, the middle lane is best. I spent insane amount commuting in DC and my observations was that most times, the right lane is best.

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I've found the same to be true in Atlanta. Everybody thinks by getting to the left they are avoiding people that slow down for exits or are getting behind the faster crowd. Staying to the right is faster because of this, and because people getting off on exits don't start slowing down until they are out of the main lanes (that's how exits are designed). And when they leave they create empty space.

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Here are a few advanced moves :

On most newer roads/freeways the lanes are very wide. This means there's actually plenty of space between the lanes for you to pass right down the middle. (the main risk here is if the other drivers freak out and do something stupid)

Similar to the "head fake" you can do the swerve-off. Say you need to change lanes and some ass won't let you. Make a swerve & back off. This usually makes him brake hard which opens up the space for you. Last resort.

The freeway "zigzag". In a lot of rush hour freeway jams, the lanes go through a pattern where the right lane speeds up to an exit, then it jams up with an onramp feeding a merge, over and over. You can ride this by lane changing all the way right, all the way left, back and forth. You stay right until right before the onramp, go all the way left, then once the merge jam clears up and it starts feeding an exit ramp you go back to the right, zig-zagging across the freeway the whole way.

Also a general tip : never ever pull up to a stop right behind the car in front of you; I always leave a nice space so that I can quickly pull out and change lanes. This is especially important in stop & go jams.

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Wow. This is a nice collection of douchebaggery we have here. Well done, guys.

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Closed weigh stations also make for good passing lanes.

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I take issue with OP's assertion that in heavy traffic, the middle lane is best. I spent insane amount commuting in DC and my observations was that most times, the right lane is best.

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I've found the same to be true in Atlanta. Everybody thinks by getting to the left they are avoiding people that slow down for exits or are getting behind the faster crowd. Staying to the right is faster because of this, and because people getting off on exits don't start slowing down until they are out of the main lanes (that's how exits are designed). And when they leave they create empty space.

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Actually I-85 going into Atlanta south of the airport was the first road I thought of where the middle lane is awesome. Keep in mind I'm talking about medium density traffic, not heavy traffic. Once you get into the city it's a different story.

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This thread is awesome. I guess my one tip is when you are on a 2 lane highway and someone ahead of you is turning right, just move into the other lane if it. It always bugs me when people come to a crawl after going 80 for no good reason. Also I say we need more yield signs and less stop signs.

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Always look far ahead. I've been in the left lane of a two lane street and noticed a car 10 cars ahead of me signaling when there's no turn lane. I get over to the right lane and pass him and the nine cars that were in front of me because they were too oblivious or didn't think fast or pay attention.

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I do this CONSTANTLY as I live on a 2-lanes-each-side-of-the-road main street (west main st, to be precise) and at a busy time of day, this can save huge amounts of time.

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Closed weigh stations also make for good passing lanes.

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Very advanced play. I will have to try this one day.

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You forgot to mention the required additional equipment - helmet, more vodka, handgun, paid up life insurance.