Add:
Check and tighten the "loose nut" behind the wheel - before each and every run.
Driving skill: Known, and drive WITHIN that skill set.
Aware: Attended MOTD prep course, knows dangers of these roads, checked weather and road conditions - and installed "rain tires" if it's going to be the least bit moist, and considered if it's too cold for Summer tires to work well. Yes, that's cost someone (not me) a Mini on a previous MOTD.
Hydrated: Dehydration impairs judgement. ANY form of alcohol absolutely does NOT count as "hydration" to drive any roads near Fontana - or anywhere.
Empty bladder / complete all non-driving body functions: Driving under "pressure" also impairs judgement. Prepare accordingly. The Dragon out and back can be 45 minutes to an hour (yes, even at "your" speed).
Alert: Good condition, no chemicals which could impair judgement (including but not limited to: cold medicine, alcohol, high amounts of Caffeine, other alternate-reality substances)
Distractions secure in car: This includes Significant Other(s), camera, radio, and anything that could impair driving in any way - including those prayer beads/shiny objects that you should NOT have hanging from your damn mirror. Note that passengers in the back seat can (ahem) "assist in rotation" (oversteer), causing you to back into the woods in an ungraceful and painful manner. Be aware.
Very important: Check for Red Mist. This is a condition where the Driver feels overconfident, super-psyched, and thinks they can take on the world. Red Mist is what causes people to say things like "hold my beer and watch this". It generally immediately precedes a large, expensive, painful crashing sound, followed maybe an hour later by sirens (if you're conscious), and a long line of angry drivers waiting for your pitiful wreck to be hauled off the road.
Drive well, my friends.
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