Sissification of our kids? How about of adults?

Apparently driving is a scary thing among mature, over 30 male adults

I have to make a trip up north next week for some training. The training isn't mandatory, but I realistically should have it. The date next week makes the most sense for a number of reasons.

Lately I've come to the conclusion that my time is more valuable than I have been valuing it at, ergo, I told the boss I would drive the 4 hours one way (in the morning) rather than fly up the night before as I'd rather have my Wednesday evening over sitting in my hotel room watching youtube videos (I don't get paid to sit in the evening so f that noise).

It's actually cheaper (for the company) for me to drive as doing the whole airport shenanigans takes about 3 hours each way (which I am paid for), plus plane tickets are absurd ($400 each way) plus hotel is absurd ($300, plus a steak dinner), vs the 4 hours each way of driving time plus 50cents per km they pay.

Anyways, the main argument is that Highway 63 (most "dangerous" highway in Canada) is dangerous. Of course, what they fail to grasp is the statistics don't tell the whole story, but low-life pieces of scum high on cocaine doing 200km/h typically get into accidents. So yea, I guess it is dangerous if you are not paying attention OR coked out of your mind in your lifted diesel doing 200km/h.

Basically, the boss doesn't want me to drive 4 hours because he is scared. I literally laughed at him for such an absurd, irrational argument.

My boss was concerned when I did a track day back in June. I told him the most dangerous part of my job is 285.

HiTempguy wrote: Basically, the boss doesn't want me to drive 4 hours because he is scared. I literally laughed at him for such an absurd, irrational argument.

Your company probably has a travel policy that requires you to fly vs drive over a certain number of hours of travel. Most do now.

Any trains? Luxury bus services? Commercial pilot with a small bush bomber?

Limo, awwww yeah

At my last job, people routinely called off work because they were afraid of driving in the rain.

Racer1ab wrote: At my last job, people routinely called off work because they were afraid of driving in the rain.

Bob Costas, I do around 20K a year in snow

At least out here in the boondocks, people are still real and aren't afraid to wield a wrench or drink a beer around an open fire.

HiTempguy wrote: So yea, I guess it is dangerous if you are not paying attention OR coked out of your mind in your lifted diesel doing 200km/h. Basically, the boss doesn't want me to drive 4 hours because he is scared. I literally laughed at him for such an absurd, irrational argument.

...or driving behind someone else who's coked out of his mind in a lifted diesel doing 200 and hasn't spotted you...

I agree that it's likely the real reason for concern is liability.

It's a whole different kind of sissification if the boss's concern arises out of a potential accident involving you that bounces back to his insurance because you were driving on business for him. As opposed to, you know, dying in a plane crash, because that's not his problem.

And here I thought Alberta was full of red-blooded carnivores laughing in the face of danger.

In reply to HiTempguy:

Haha, yeah. Actually there was a thread on here a few days ago where one of our GRM brethren stated that towing is stressful...haha. I didn't say anything, but my gut reaction was "only if you're a Bob Costas"...

One of my favorite parts about camping in the summer is hooking up the RV and towing with my manly truck into the bush to do manly stuff. I'm with you. Hwy 63 IS dangerous statistically speaking, but drive defensively and don't be a coked up rig pig and you'll be fine.

doc_speeder wrote: One of my favorite parts about camping in the summer is hooking up the RV and towing with my manly truck into the bush to do manly stuff.

Don't RVs have AC and beds and a kitchen and a bathroom and dinette sets and couches with throw pillows?

Stealthtercel wrote: It's a whole different kind of sissification if the boss's concern arises out of a potential accident involving you that bounces back to his insurance because you were driving on business for him. As opposed to, you know, dying in a plane crash, because that's not his problem. And here I thought Alberta was full of red-blooded carnivores laughing in the face of danger.

I'd be driving my own vehicle, like thousands of Albertan's do everyday, heading to work on a highway. Also, I WORK for the government

No, there is no travel policy that negates the idea.

I like towing as well. It requires a bit more finesse then everyday driving, so it actually makes it a bit more fun. In a slightly underpowered tow rig like my 1993 gmc 1/2 ton, you have to plan a bit in the mountains, maintain momentum, take care of ice/snow etc etc.

fritzsch wrote:

doc_speeder wrote: One of my favorite parts about camping in the summer is hooking up the RV and towing with my manly truck into the bush to do manly stuff.

Don't RVs have AC and beds and a kitchen and a bathroom and dinette sets and couches with throw pillows?

Haha yeah, good point. But that's mostly for the missus. I spend most of my time outside on the quad in the mud and dust and campfire smoke. The RV also has a shower which allows me to get cleaned up enough to still be allowed in the bed with her...

doc_speeder wrote: In reply to HiTempguy: Haha, yeah. Actually there was a thread on here a few days ago where one of our GRM brethren stated that towing is stressful...haha. I didn't say anything, but my gut reaction was "only if you're a Bob Costas"...

The only time I was ever stressed towing was in the city. I did a lot of towing in Philly and NY. Other than that, it was nice to accelerate as fast as I wanted and just "toodle" down the slow lane as I pleased. Everyone saw the trailer and just went around me.

It was even nicer towing the boat. I got a lot of thumbs up for my antique

The stressful part of towing is the other idiots on the road around you. The ones who don't pay any attention to you coming down the slow lane while they're blindly merging onto the freeway, the ones who cut in front of you and slam on their brakes, and the ones who decide to try to cut off the trailer when you put your turn signal on to change lanes.

slefain wrote: My boss was concerned when I did a track day back in June. I told him the most dangerous part of my job is 285.

The CEO of my company came out to a race weekend at NJMP with us. He got a ride with one of the DE instructors who also used to work with us... hung out, drank beer... Cool right? (He is a really cool guy)

I have done customer facing meetings where I know he knows I'm in my truck hauling to/from the track. I've VPN'd in from the paddock at Mid-Ohio to do a presentation (in my fire suit too!).

I'm still not allowed to be on the same flight as any one else on our team, you know... 'cause ummm... flying is dangerous?

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: .... I've VPN'd in from the paddock at Mid-Ohio to do a presentation (in my fire suit too!).

Now that's both funny and cool.