[chittybang]

For me an unsafe car makes me drive below my comfort zone. It bothers me during turns and bends and when on the highway where cars are often at high speeds.
On the other hand a safer car takes away those fears and lets me enjoy my ride. I don't think its a temptation to drive fast. In fact it gives me freedom to identify my sweet spot as far as speed is concerned. Ofcourse I am someone who likes the drive more than the pace at which I am at.

[King_pin09]

I respect the laws of the land and irrespective of what my machine is capable of, I would on any day stick to the speed limits set out by the statutes, come what may.

[veyron999]

Well, I'd say YES and NO.

A car which is safer is built better, and masks speed better as well. When the roads permit, I'd take a car only to a speed in which I feel comfortable.
So, for a Honda City, that speed was 110. Not more. For my Polo GT, on straights it'd be a bit higher, and more so for an Octavia.

Also, for example - During rains, I'm more comfortable in a car with traction control, ESP, and I might end up driving faster than a car which doesn't have the equipment. Because I know in case of emergency manoeuvres I'm better off with ESP than without it.

On the flip-side,
The safer the car, probably the more expensive it is. Which means that in traffic, and city conditions I'd drive slower than usual, mainly because I'm afraid of having others rear ending me OR others misjudging dimensions and leaving dents/scratches on my car. This is less likely to happen if I'm driving slow (hopefully).

[su1978]

For me, the safety features in a car are the ones which will ensure that i am safe in an event of some mishap. But a safer car does not give me any licence to drive fast and do whatever i want to on the road. Normally, i am a sedate driver and am easy on the accelerator pedal. I believe in extracting the most out of my car. Indian highways are not meant to be used above 100. While on the road a simple philosophy has to be followed that only i am in my senses rest all are drunk. I have to save myself and others as well.

I have a ford freestyle titanium+ petrol with added security features like 6 airbags/ABS/ESP/ARP. But i drive it on same speed as i drive my Honda Mobilio/Ritz/Honda City. Rather Ford instill in me a confidence while on the road and i feel like a king with all my generals(security features) surrounding me from all sides.

[laser2707]

There are far too many idiots on the roads. I don't take any chances when I am behind the wheel. I operate on the principle - since I am surrounded by idiots on the road, let me protect myself from their idiocy.

Too many incidents of rash driving & road rage these days. Driving in the city is full of pressure & anxiety. It's best that one drives as carefully as possible.

[Chetan_Rao]

Honestly, I'd love to go as fast as my vehicles (and I) are capable of, but I'm just too paranoid in uncontrolled environments to do it, so I limit myself to practical restrictions of when/where I'm driving, not what I'm driving.

I play video games to satisfy my demolition derby fantasies, and go karting when I can.

Go ahead, call me a wuss!

[Latheesh]

Never tried to push to its limit whenever I drove bigger cars which has better engine and safety equipment. I have been very careful about it as my driving skill is way below its actual limits. I have more fun driving my small hatch back (Chevy Spark with 1 litre engine and zero safety equipment) as its limits were low and I could manage it.

[aniyo]

I do not know about rash, but I have grown more confident for sure after moving to Nexon from Brio.
The robust build quality, ride height, GC and better brakes ensures I can maintain higher speeds than before. The only thing that has reduced or rather I am more mindful of is lane change. Brio was so flickable Nexon is top heavy.

I do agree though many people drive more fast after moving to higher segment.

[Rajiv0909]

Almost everyone here seems to be driving safe (or claims to) but when I go out on roads almost every other car i see is breaking some or the other traffic rule. My observation may sound harsh but it does include some tbhp stickered cars.

Now don't get me wrong, I am no saint, have crossed the line with/out safety equipment and have paid the price. I am only hoping that we truely believe in safety. One freak incident and life changes in unexpected ways.

[Sebring]

Hey, that's uncalled for and not the objective of that question. You know that fake stickers are ruining our reputation out there. But there was a time and this wasn't so. TBHP stickered cars were the most well behaved lot (esp. lane discipline) - until someone hit upon the idea to counterfeit these en-masse and have some 'fake goodwill' rub off on them. Heck, the corner grocer has these in stock. And the very reason they put these stickers on their back is to look respectable to motorists. So don't go purely by that. You know our calibre.

Originally Posted by Rajiv0909

Almost everyone here seems to be driving safe (or claims to) but when I go out on roads almost every other car i see is breaking some or the other traffic rule. My observation may sound harsh but it does include some tbhp stickered cars. Now don't get me wrong, I am no saint, have crossed the line with/out safety equipment and have paid the price. I am only hoping that we truely believe in safety. One freak incident and life changes in unexpected ways.

[noopster]

Pardon me but this thread is akin to asking: Does having a term insurance plan give you the itch to live more dangerously?

Absolutely not. Safe driving practices at all times. The safety aids are there only in the worst case scenario, just as your term insurance plan is!

[Starfire]

It all comes down to the definition of "Safe & Sane driving".
Is driving at 200kmph safe and sane? NO
Is driving at 110kmph on Indian Highways safe and sane? Again NO, unless you are on an expressway. There are speed limits within the city for a reason.

But then again no one on Team-Bhp who has ever bought a 530d or a VRS bought their car thinking they will drive it only under 110kmph and get 18kmpl.

Driving safe and sane is not just knowing that your German car has ESP and won't skid but is knowing the fact that if a pedestrian ever comes suddenly in front of you at 100kmph, you'll never be able to save him or yourself from an accident, heck even a 458 Italia with huge brakes won't stop from 100kmph until 30 meters have passed

Now since that's out of the way, I have to answer honestly that I voted a yes. My GT TSI does give me more confidence to push harder around corners than my previous gen Fluidic Verna only cause I know that I have ESP, a responsive steering, a stiffer ride and better tires, even though it has lesser airbags than my Verna.

[simplyself]

Having said that irrespective of the safety features, I drive safely and sanely, I have to admit that my driving style changes a little bit depending upon the vehicle I drive.

My driving style changes when I drive a Maruti Omni. When I drive Zest, I am bit more relaxed and a bit fast, comparitively. That little change apart, I drive well within safe and sane limits - vehicle's and, more importantly, mine.

[landcruiser123]

If you drive faster because you're in a car with safety features, you are stupid. Remember- crash tests are done at 64 kmph for frontal impact. (Maybe 56 kmph for Indian tests)

That being said- it will be fun to enjoy the acceleration of a dynamically accomplished car with powerful brakes.

[romeomidhun]

I think it is just the opposite.

People grow older, become more responsible, become more knowledgeable about cars and safety, buy cars with more safety features, and drive slower.

There are exceptions everywhere, though.