Professor puts a positive spin on hooning around

[sleekism]

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...rticleID=43531

Professor puts a positive spin on hooning around
Adele Horin, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17/09/07




Hoons are a misunderstood lot. Just because they drive high-powered cars, rev their engines at the lights and blast the neighbourhood with execrable music does not mean that they are a menace on the roads.


Yet governments have been panicked into passing tough anti-hoon legislation that is so broad it can snare the car-mad along with the bad.

The plea for greater understanding of hoon culture appears in the latest edition of the journal Youth Studies Australia. Rob White, professor of sociology at the University of Tasmania, and his co-author, Hannah Graham, argue that sensational media reports have given the impression of "hoons taking over our streets".

"Hooning has been criminalised," they write. "However, close analysis of 'hooning accidents' as such reveals that hooning is not the large road safety problem the media makes it out to be."

Very few crashes involve high-performance vehicles, they say. Older and cheaper vehicles are more often implicated, and so-called hoons account for a very small percentage of all motor vehicle accidents.

Professor White said there was a difference between dangerous driving on the street, which was never acceptable, and the kind of activities car-crazed youths liked to engage in.

"We know from watching the Grand Prix that speed, fishtailing and burn-outs are exhilarating," he said. Providing these activities took place off the streets, in areas such as unoccupied industrial sites, they were not necessarily dangerous. "Indeed there are cases when certain types of hooning might well be considered safer than driving on main roads at rush hour," he said.

Young men who were part of the car culture derived excitement, status, and a sense of control through having an impressive vehicle to drive, the authors argue. They liked to build hot cars. They took pride in their driving skills. Having a passion for cars could be an exciting and positive lifestyle choice for young men with time on their hands. And spending money on cars was better than spending it on drugs.



"Drag racing in the streets is dangerous," Professor White said. "Give the young people a race track, or a disused or unoccupied industrial site instead. Offer help and hints on how to race fast, and safely."

The authors agree that young people are disproportionately involved in crashes. But the victims were not necessarily those who were part of a car culture. Rather young people were vulnerable because they tended to be driving at night in poorer quality cars.

[SiKoRa_eL_97]

Ftw!!

[Hybrid34]

Young men who were part of the car culture derived excitement, status, and a sense of control through having an impressive vehicle to drive, the authors argue. They liked to build hot cars. They took pride in their driving skills. Having a passion for cars could be an exciting and positive lifestyle choice for young men with time on their hands. And spending money on cars was better than spending it on drugs.

This Professor Is my hero, and this article just made my day, only if more people could read this in the community!

[CSV_LS1]

Next we see this guy deported to iraq for terrorism. Can't have him spread propaganda can we _

[Allen]

As much as agree with a majority of this article, I’m afraid Professor Rob White has just gone and ruined his credibility and reputation among his peers... Good on him for trying though, but no one with any real authority will listen to it, as it would be highly unpopular with the do gooders.

Its a shame really, that the majority of people in the position to write such articles are so easily caught up in the media frenzy... Just look back at that thread with the Surgeons Council of Australia or whatever they call themselves, and their comments on the solution for 'hoons'

I'm waiting for ACA to have a story on Professor Rob White, they'll totally shut it all down, and proberly claim he was high whilst writing the piece...

[|||]

i'm gunna do a burnout in his honour

[Ultimate]

Originally Posted by |||

i'm gunna do a burnout in his honour

Yes that will help the case wont it?

[2002xr6]

Originally Posted by |||

i'm gunna do a burnout in his honour

me too

[Laminge]

Originally Posted by |||

i'm gunna do a burnout in his honour

Gwad that made me laugh, cheers

[DBourne]

"Drag racing in the streets is dangerous," Professor White said. "Give the young people a race track, or a disused or unoccupied industrial site instead. Offer help and hints on how to race fast, and safely."

this is the bit that stands out for me most. He understands that "hoon" behaviour occurs and can come up with a logical way of allowing people to have an outlet.

lord knows if i could go to an industrial park and just have fun on a skid pan then i wouldn't even contemplate it on the roads. i'd just think "ah well on the weekend i can do some more skid work"

[3vXT]

He must know what he's talking about, he's a professor. (Sarcasm)

[Hunter]

I can bet your bottom dollar that if you give people more tracks that they will STILL do it on public roads - the act itself isn't the only reason people 'hoon' on the streets - its the fact that its illegal and you're 'not meant to do it' - and you can show off your 'elite' driving 'skills' to everyone on the street.

A track might make it easier for legit, law-abiding car enthusiasts to get their rocks off but the Commodore-driving, eminem-listening, singlet and thongs wearing bogans in their VP Commodores will still go and drop wheelies outside schools and use the wrong speed at the wrong time.

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by Hunter

I can bet your bottom dollar that if you give people more tracks that they will STILL do it on public roads - the act itself isn't the only reason people 'hoon' on the streets - its the fact that its illegal and you're 'not meant to do it' - and you can show off your 'elite' driving 'skills' to everyone on the street.

A track might make it easier for legit, law-abiding car enthusiasts to get their rocks off but the Commodore-driving, eminem-listening, singlet and thongs wearing bogans in their VP Commodores will still go and drop wheelies outside schools and use the wrong speed at the wrong time.

and i agree with you 100%.

but im sure there are a hell of a lot of young drivers like me who if they had a legal (innexpensive) means to get out the "hoon" in them, then driving when driving on the street wouldnt even think about doing anything half stupid.

Then again as you say, doesnt matter waht you do, will be

[Tiapan]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

and i agree with you 100%.

but im sure there are a hell of a lot of young drivers like me who if they had a legal (innexpensive) means to get out the "hoon" in them, then driving when driving on the street wouldnt even think about doing anything half stupid.

Then again as you say, doesnt matter waht you do, will be

im with you sarge! with my car almost everytime i turn the key i run into an old friend who has heard soo much about my car, so i take em for a drive, obviously its no good showing off how your new pride and joy $10,000 motor is by puttin around stuck behind a truck, so i give it a squirt and watch the smiles!

if there were a local 'at your own risk skidpan' i would putt my way there and then let loose, and putt home, no harm done!!!

skaters got bloody skateparks to keep them off the church stairs!!! and it worked for 60% of the skter boy community! because a skatepark is more fun then church steps!

why can we have a freakin skidpan!!??????? its half the cost of a freakin skatepark and it would be used more then the woolsheds or church carpark because it would be sh!tloads more fun!!

no i dont do burnouts in church carparks...im christian. it was an example

[clontarf_x]

Originally Posted by Hunter

I can bet your bottom dollar that if you give people more tracks that they will STILL do it on public roads - the act itself isn't the only reason people 'hoon' on the streets - its the fact that its illegal and you're 'not meant to do it' - and you can show off your 'elite' driving 'skills' to everyone on the street.

A track might make it easier for legit, law-abiding car enthusiasts to get their rocks off but the Commodore-driving, eminem-listening, singlet and thongs wearing bogans in their VP Commodores will still go and drop wheelies outside schools and use the wrong speed at the wrong time.

I disagree

Rob White isn't talking about the dangerous drivers. He is talking about the "car-mad" "performance enthusiasts". He fully acknowledges that there are some irresponsible and dangerous drivers there who consider their skills and maturity to be on par with the more educated and responsible enthusiasts.

That excerpt is pointing out how car enthusiasts are being painted with the same brush as road outlaws, a.k.a traffic criminals. You are correct in saying that the "hoons" will still go out on a public road and do it, but thats exactly it, they are the hoons, the one giving the enthusiasts the bad names.

He hilights that an enthusiast, a responsible driver, will find an unoccupied area such as a disused industrial area, or a remote truck yard, or a stretch of desolate highway to ensure no risk of danger to anyone else as a result of their actions.

I see what you are saying about the bogan vl drivers kicking out their single peggers at the local maccas, but then you have to remember thats exactly what they are. I would like to classify myself as an enthusiast, and as a result those guys don't earn any respect from me, and on that note, I agree with you

I say good on Mr White for trying to point this out to the public. All we need now are more qualified, professional figures to say "Hey, you know, he might be onto something", and we will finally be able to enjoy our cars and responsibility without being punished :/

[MITCHAY]

Hats off to them for saying it how it is. Probably hasn't made too many friends by doing so though :

[Tiapan]

Originally Posted by Hunter

Commodore-driving, eminem-listening, singlet and thongs wearing bogans in their VP Commodores will still go and drop wheelies outside schools and use the wrong speed at the wrong time.

pure fuc+ing gold!!!

[Walt Kowalski]

Originally Posted by Hunter

the Commodore-driving, eminem-listening, singlet and thongs wearing bogans in their VP Commodores will still go and drop wheelies outside schools and use the wrong speed at the wrong time.

Spot on. I am still laughing.

[davonafairlane]

All I have to say for MO and anyone else who has that view is what exactly can you expect? To quote the victorian learners book "driving is a complex task" and two years for learning is enough to get some experience but realistically nothing can prepare you for every situation. Driving is not learnt overnight or in a few lessons, it changes with age im 20 now and I can drive better then when I was learning how to drive (before I had my licence) but I will never stop learning like everyone on the road.

And yes they do only really teach you mostly how to pass the test

What young people are saying about the old is for those that have lost confidence in driving and it does happen.

Maybe everyone should be tested every 5-10 years to make sure they still know the rules (they can change) and if there still competent in driving.........

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by davonafairlane

......Maybe everyone should be tested every 5-10 years to make sure they still know the rules (they can change) and if there still competent in driving.........

I reckon that would be a great idea. The logistics of it happening and policing it would be the nightmare though.

[uranium_death]

I have said too many times, no matter what legislation, what requirements or what facilities you introduce or make available, people will still be jerks because it is the anti-social thing to do.

It is nice to see a point of view that isn't sensationalist, which unfortunately is what the media tends to deal in nowadays.

[blueoval]

I agree that hooning is a small percentage of road accidents today.

the laws should be tougher on persons/pensioners over 50yo whose reflexes are slower and can obstruct and endanger those who help support their retired lifestyle. Get them re-educated and test them more frequently. Sorry for the rant.

The proffessor FTMFW!

[MO]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I agree that hooning is a small percentage of road accidents today.

the laws should be tougher on persons/pensioners over 50yo whose reflexes are slower and can obstruct and endanger those who help support their retired lifestyle. Get them re-educated and test them more frequently. Sorry for the rant.

The proffessor FTMFW!

TAKE YOU ON ANYTIME d/wit...yes I'm retired am over 50.

And guess what have a very good car handling background...club racing...two police driver training courses ..ACT and NT, and just to top it off drove 20+ton fire trucks for a living...mostly sideways.

[Tuddy200]

Originally Posted by MO

TAKE YOU ON ANYTIME d/wit...yes I'm retired am over 50.

And guess what have a very good car handling background...club racing...two police driver training courses ..ACT and NT, and just to top it off drove 20+ton fire trucks for a living...mostly sideways.

I say good for you, really. Unfortunly, "elderly" people can generalise about young drivers all being idiots or dangerous, so we throw it bac just the same. I'd have to say this, but younger drivers may speed alittle but we have the reflexes to get ourselves out of a sitiuation most times, whereas every thursday I seem to see some elderly person invloved in a car accident, with another elderly person.

No one will agree to someone elses point of view on hooning because this society is built on generalisation and targetting a group because of a minority.

[DOC]

Originally Posted by G.J.Tuddy

I'd have to say this, but younger drivers may speed alittle but we have the reflexes to get ourselves out of a sitiuation most times.

Stats say otherwise don't they ? 18 -25 highest risk for an accident, sure young heads are good but older ones don't allow them to get into a situation most times, they read the road, conditions and outcomes in a way only experience can provide.

[Jason[98.EL]]

Originally Posted by MO

TAKE YOU ON ANYTIME d/wit...yes I'm retired am over 50.

And guess what have a very good car handling background...club racing...two police driver training courses ..ACT and NT, and just to top it off drove 20+ton fire trucks for a living...mostly sideways.

wow dont hold back MO

but i tend to agree

i would love to see a few people get in a care with my old man

yes he is well over 50 and can teach a few a bit about driving

jason

[MO]

Guys just to diffuse the us and them prob.

I firmly believe that the younguns of today are taught to get their licence and not how to drive.

I was taught how to drive before I got my licence.

My take on the whole scene is: get back to basics teach the younguns how to drive then to get their licence.

I'm sick and tired of seeing in the news about younguns killing themselves through stupidity....just because they were taught how to get a licence and not how to drive.

I'll stop now because.......

[Tuddy200]

Originally Posted by MO

Guys just to diffuse the us and them prob.

I firmly believe that the younguns of today are taught to get their licence and not how to drive.

I was taught how to drive before I got my licence.

My take on the whole scene is: get back to basics teach the younguns how to drive then to get their licence.

I'm sick and tired of seeing in the news about younguns killing themselves through stupidity....just because they were taught how to get a licence and not how to drive.

I'll stop now because.......

I agree. Glad to see your one of few that think clearly and not "brand" everyone.

I love it how so many "older 25+" drivers i'm with say how that young person just went speeding past them, only for me to point out that they have traffic banked up behind them for several k's and they are 10-15km under the speed limit.

18-25 being involved in more fatelities then elderly drivers is an issue, which comes back to two things, either they can't driver or being a nob! What reason do elderly people have for being the cause or invloved in the most car accidents though??

[normxb]

Mmm Where do I Start ? .......Oh well , Here will do ....(Downer stuff for a start , Good stuff at the end

Originally Posted by blueoval

the laws should be tougher on persons/pensioners over 50yo whose reflexes are slower and can obstruct and endanger those who help support their retired lifestyle.

Please take a copy of what you've said , and look at in 30 years time ? and see if you feel the same ! Yes there would be a "Very Few" 50's+ like that , same as the "Few Hoons" give the rest a bad name . As for you supporting their "Retired Lifestyle" do you reckon you could live on $210-00 a week , make house payments , rates, phone & power bills AND buy food as well ? My fuel budget is $10-00 a f/night . If your retired at 50y/o , I can tell you , it's "Not by Choice" , 65y/o Yes. but I know a few 65+guy's who could probably run rings around you . I also know a 26 y/o who's still on his "P's" . Oh , Who paid for the roads in the first place , for You to drive on , for 25 years I worked 10-14 hours a day , 7 day's a week , my father & grandfather paid their taxes & Rego's too . So you're driving on OUR roads , think about it ! :

MO , agree with ya all the way Mate. You know what the drift is .

Originally Posted by Tiapan

If there were a local 'at your own risk skidpan' i would putt my way there and then let loose, and putt home, no harm done!!! .

I wish it was like that Tiapan , but there's no such thing as "at your own risk" anymore . You can put a sign on your gate saying "Dog , Enter at your own risk" but a person can still sue you if they get bitten in your yard . Same as someone can break into your home , trip over something in the dark and guess what . it's "Your Fault" because they didn't see it and sue you . Racetracks , Strips etc have Massive Public Risk Insurance to cover that .

Originally Posted by xygthop3

I know a lot of people as myself who enjoy doing the illegal stuff in the street, going to big backstreets, industrial places and frying tyres, drifting corners, doing tandom burnouts, drags etc and none of us have ever had a accident that has related to bad injury or death or hurting others..].

But it does/has happened ,just not to you -YET- In Homebush/Olympic Park (Sydney), used to be a place called "Brickies" it was an Industrial area , few people died and/or got hurt there , If the Hamburger Joint at Granville was empty on a Sat. or Sun. night Everyone knew "brickies was on" just a few guy's (100 or so) were there having fun , but when someone got hurt , they all took off so they wouldn't get busted. One time , everybody took off & no-one called an Ambulance , the guy bled to death in his car , one phone call could have saved him. Why are they bringing Stupid laws like they are , "cause of guy's like you" , It doesn't only affect young guy's but also us 50+'s too . (yes I know , State revenue also comes in here)

I know the Driving laws as well as any 17-20y/o , I've taught my Daughters "How to Drive" (not just get their licence) in the last 3 years , I went through the book with them numerous times , I also taught them car control , emergency stops on "Wet Tar roads , Dry & Wet gravel roads , cornering smoothly & general Defensive Driving , then took them both to a Driving School to get the "finer points" , One lesson each & driving instructor said they were "more than ready" .

The Good Stuff ..

The good "Professor" has gut's for most of what he said , I agree for more Legal Skidpans , Strips & Tracks , been there done that , Raced for 12 years with a Car Club doing Lap-Dashes Club Sprints - Hillclimbs , should be more of it . Man , what a BUZZ . Tiapan , these are the places to get going .
Nearly ALL racetracks have street car day's , take advantage of it while the tracks are still there . In Sydney they closed down Amaroo Park , Oran Park nearly got closed down , Westmead speedway got closed down , so make use of a safe and purpose built place "While You Can". I love speed as much as any 20+y/o , nothing like an old 192 screaming at 8,000 rev's ( the power band in my racecar is 3,000 - 8,500 rev's) BUT in the right place

Industrial estates would be great too , as long as there were a few safety fences and "Insurance" , That I would agree with ...

xygthop3 , Mmmm wonder why your mum is too scared to drive anymore ?

Geesh , Glad I'm only going to post here ONCE . I've said my bit .

[Bent8]

Oh yeah, this Professors got it right...I'm voting for this guy at the next (phony) Election.