This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/us/speeding-tickets-cars-coronavirus.html
The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 13 | Version 14 |
|---|---|
| Whoosh! That Car That Just Soared by Might Be Heading for the Coast | Whoosh! That Car That Just Soared by Might Be Heading for the Coast |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| NOVATO, Calif. — A white 2019 Audi A8 L sedan with extra fuel tanks in the trunk pulled away from a Midtown Manhattan parking garage late last Saturday night. A driver on a high-speed mission aimed the car west and hit the accelerator. | NOVATO, Calif. — A white 2019 Audi A8 L sedan with extra fuel tanks in the trunk pulled away from a Midtown Manhattan parking garage late last Saturday night. A driver on a high-speed mission aimed the car west and hit the accelerator. |
| Averaging more than 100 miles per hour over nearly 3,000 miles of the nation’s epically uncrowded highway system, the car arrived at an oceanside hotel in Redondo Beach, Calif., less than 27 hours later. | Averaging more than 100 miles per hour over nearly 3,000 miles of the nation’s epically uncrowded highway system, the car arrived at an oceanside hotel in Redondo Beach, Calif., less than 27 hours later. |
| The car and its three-person crew, none of whom have yet revealed themselves publicly, easily broke the record for driving from New York to Los Angeles, a sprint known as the Cannonball Run. Past record-holders expect the mark to fall again in the coming weeks, and maybe again and again — one more impact of the coronavirus-induced quarantine that the nation is under. | The car and its three-person crew, none of whom have yet revealed themselves publicly, easily broke the record for driving from New York to Los Angeles, a sprint known as the Cannonball Run. Past record-holders expect the mark to fall again in the coming weeks, and maybe again and again — one more impact of the coronavirus-induced quarantine that the nation is under. |
| “It’s amazing how fun it is to drive on the highways right now,” said Doug Tabbutt, part of the three-man crew that broke the longstanding Cannonball Run record last November, only to learn of losing it this past week. “It’s like having an American autobahn.” | “It’s amazing how fun it is to drive on the highways right now,” said Doug Tabbutt, part of the three-man crew that broke the longstanding Cannonball Run record last November, only to learn of losing it this past week. “It’s like having an American autobahn.” |
| Traffic levels have dropped more than 90 percent in some major cities, and at least 50 percent nearly everywhere. Open highways beckon. Empty city streets tease. Gone are congestion and gridlock. In their place is temptation and speed. | Traffic levels have dropped more than 90 percent in some major cities, and at least 50 percent nearly everywhere. Open highways beckon. Empty city streets tease. Gone are congestion and gridlock. In their place is temptation and speed. |
| The fewer the cars, the faster they go, and law enforcement is on high alert. In California, the spike in speeding tickets for driving more than 100 miles per hour — 543 citations written by the highway patrol over 10 days in March — grew in inverse proportion to the cars on the road. Posting batches of tickets or three-digit radar-gun readings on social media has become a popular pastime for police precincts, if not a deterrent for heavy-footed scofflaws. | The fewer the cars, the faster they go, and law enforcement is on high alert. In California, the spike in speeding tickets for driving more than 100 miles per hour — 543 citations written by the highway patrol over 10 days in March — grew in inverse proportion to the cars on the road. Posting batches of tickets or three-digit radar-gun readings on social media has become a popular pastime for police precincts, if not a deterrent for heavy-footed scofflaws. |
| In New York City over 14 days in mid-March, traffic reportedly dropped 71 percent as speed cameras caught 12 percent more infractions than during a comparable period in January. The average speed on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway has gone from 13 miles per hour to 52. | In New York City over 14 days in mid-March, traffic reportedly dropped 71 percent as speed cameras caught 12 percent more infractions than during a comparable period in January. The average speed on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway has gone from 13 miles per hour to 52. |
| In Portland, Ore., the typical number of people caught driving more than 30 miles per hour over the limit has gone from single digits in February to around 30 these days. One car was flagged going 139 miles per hour. Two motorcycles, racing, were caught doing 132. | In Portland, Ore., the typical number of people caught driving more than 30 miles per hour over the limit has gone from single digits in February to around 30 these days. One car was flagged going 139 miles per hour. Two motorcycles, racing, were caught doing 132. |
| Sgt. Bret Barnum, a traffic supervisor for the Portland Police Department, said that most drivers pulled over for excessive speeding these days explain that they are distracted by the coronavirus outbreak and the crashing economic conditions. | Sgt. Bret Barnum, a traffic supervisor for the Portland Police Department, said that most drivers pulled over for excessive speeding these days explain that they are distracted by the coronavirus outbreak and the crashing economic conditions. |
| But many do not. | But many do not. |
| “The other day, I stopped a guy going 92 in a 50,” Sergeant Barnum said. “He’s like, ‘You know, it’s a new car to me, the road was open, and I just wanted to try it out.’” | “The other day, I stopped a guy going 92 in a 50,” Sergeant Barnum said. “He’s like, ‘You know, it’s a new car to me, the road was open, and I just wanted to try it out.’” |
| Such temptation may be fueled by a sense that normal rules do not currently apply. Officers admitted that they had been more lenient with minor infractions, like lower-level speeding or missing registrations, to reduce face-to-face interactions. Drivers caught by the police sometimes seem surprised. | Such temptation may be fueled by a sense that normal rules do not currently apply. Officers admitted that they had been more lenient with minor infractions, like lower-level speeding or missing registrations, to reduce face-to-face interactions. Drivers caught by the police sometimes seem surprised. |
| “I honestly think some of our local motorists think there is a moratorium and we are not doing traffic stops,” said Sgt. Robert Ruiz of California Highway Patrol’s Southern division, which includes Los Angeles. “So when they pass our black and whites, and they get pulled over, that’s the first thing out of their mouths: ‘I thought you guys weren’t stopping people right now.’” | “I honestly think some of our local motorists think there is a moratorium and we are not doing traffic stops,” said Sgt. Robert Ruiz of California Highway Patrol’s Southern division, which includes Los Angeles. “So when they pass our black and whites, and they get pulled over, that’s the first thing out of their mouths: ‘I thought you guys weren’t stopping people right now.’” |
| There also is growing concern about street racing, both impromptu drag races and large gatherings, like the 50 cars caught racing in Singapore last week. | There also is growing concern about street racing, both impromptu drag races and large gatherings, like the 50 cars caught racing in Singapore last week. |
| With less traffic there are fewer collisions, but there is anecdotal evidence of more solo crashes. One outing, involving a rare Porsche Gemballa Mirage GT, turned into a crash spree in Manhattan. | With less traffic there are fewer collisions, but there is anecdotal evidence of more solo crashes. One outing, involving a rare Porsche Gemballa Mirage GT, turned into a crash spree in Manhattan. |
| Yet there was no slowing the white Audi A8 with Pennsylvania license plates pulling away from a Manhattan garage at 11:15 p.m. on April 4. | Yet there was no slowing the white Audi A8 with Pennsylvania license plates pulling away from a Manhattan garage at 11:15 p.m. on April 4. |
| Nowhere, perhaps, is the lure of the open road more appetizing than among the loose fraternity of cannonballers — people who, going back to the 1970s, have made an illicit sport of racing from coast to coast. | Nowhere, perhaps, is the lure of the open road more appetizing than among the loose fraternity of cannonballers — people who, going back to the 1970s, have made an illicit sport of racing from coast to coast. |
| The idea came from Brock Yates, an editor at Car and Driver magazine, in 1971. Mostly run without rules, the races tickled the gear head imagination and slid into popular culture. | The idea came from Brock Yates, an editor at Car and Driver magazine, in 1971. Mostly run without rules, the races tickled the gear head imagination and slid into popular culture. |
| They spawned the 1976 film “Cannonball!” starring David Carradine and, more famously, “The Cannonball Run” and “Cannonball Run II,” both written by Mr. Yates. They starred Burt Reynolds and featured an eclectic, “Love Boat”-style mess of actors, singers and athletes. | They spawned the 1976 film “Cannonball!” starring David Carradine and, more famously, “The Cannonball Run” and “Cannonball Run II,” both written by Mr. Yates. They starred Burt Reynolds and featured an eclectic, “Love Boat”-style mess of actors, singers and athletes. |
| The races faded, other than some twists in things like routes, budgets or car vintages, but not the urge to beat the clock. The general idea still stands: Do whatever it takes to get from Manhattan’s Red Ball Garage on East 31st Street to The Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach as fast as possible on four wheels. | The races faded, other than some twists in things like routes, budgets or car vintages, but not the urge to beat the clock. The general idea still stands: Do whatever it takes to get from Manhattan’s Red Ball Garage on East 31st Street to The Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach as fast as possible on four wheels. |
| The route between those traditional end points is up to drivers. The choice is between a northern route, following much of I-80 and I-70, or a southern one, of almost identical distance, along parts of I-70, I-44 and I-40. In today’s low-traffic world, Google Maps estimates that either drive should take 41 hours or so, without stops. | The route between those traditional end points is up to drivers. The choice is between a northern route, following much of I-80 and I-70, or a southern one, of almost identical distance, along parts of I-70, I-44 and I-40. In today’s low-traffic world, Google Maps estimates that either drive should take 41 hours or so, without stops. |
| The key is to evade the biggest complications — police and traffic. And never has there been less traffic. | The key is to evade the biggest complications — police and traffic. And never has there been less traffic. |
| “Traffic is a major logistical challenge,” Mr. Tabbutt said. “Police is a variable we can almost control. There are tons of countermeasures. But we cannot control traffic.” | “Traffic is a major logistical challenge,” Mr. Tabbutt said. “Police is a variable we can almost control. There are tons of countermeasures. But we cannot control traffic.” |
| Coronavirus has. | Coronavirus has. |
| “All of the cannonballers are talking about it,” Mr. Tabbutt said. | “All of the cannonballers are talking about it,” Mr. Tabbutt said. |
| Record-seeking runs usually take place in the fall, to avoid severe weather and roads clogged by slow-moving vacationers. Auxiliary gas tanks in the trunk can limit time-killing fuel stops to three or four. | Record-seeking runs usually take place in the fall, to avoid severe weather and roads clogged by slow-moving vacationers. Auxiliary gas tanks in the trunk can limit time-killing fuel stops to three or four. |
| Most attempts leave New York at night, to avoid city traffic, and get to Los Angeles before the morning rush. That means broad daylight across most of the open country. Cities can be sticky with traffic, but true time-killers are the narrow interstates across the plains. Every driver’s frustration of being stuck behind one truck slowly passing another is multiplied when anything less than 100 miles per hour is a time suck. | Most attempts leave New York at night, to avoid city traffic, and get to Los Angeles before the morning rush. That means broad daylight across most of the open country. Cities can be sticky with traffic, but true time-killers are the narrow interstates across the plains. Every driver’s frustration of being stuck behind one truck slowly passing another is multiplied when anything less than 100 miles per hour is a time suck. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Tools might include radar detectors, laser jammers, multiple GPS systems, night-vision cameras and traffic-light changers, like those employed by emergency vehicles. Most serious cannonballers employ a team of lookouts in cars, maybe even a plane. Inside the car, the crew uses computers, communication devices and binoculars to anticipate the road ahead. | Tools might include radar detectors, laser jammers, multiple GPS systems, night-vision cameras and traffic-light changers, like those employed by emergency vehicles. Most serious cannonballers employ a team of lookouts in cars, maybe even a plane. Inside the car, the crew uses computers, communication devices and binoculars to anticipate the road ahead. |
| Drivers avoid erratic or dangerous maneuvers, knowing they might attract attention and elicit calls to the highway patrol. Traffic tickets and accidents are rare. | Drivers avoid erratic or dangerous maneuvers, knowing they might attract attention and elicit calls to the highway patrol. Traffic tickets and accidents are rare. |
| In 1979, a Jaguar XJS set the standard in 32 hours, 51 minutes. In 1983, a red Ferrari 308 made the trip in a record 32 hours, 7 minutes. | In 1979, a Jaguar XJS set the standard in 32 hours, 51 minutes. In 1983, a red Ferrari 308 made the trip in a record 32 hours, 7 minutes. |
| The mark stood until 2006, when a team in a 2000 BMW M5 connected the coasts in 31 hours, 4 minutes. In 2007, another team in a Ferrari 550 Maranello claimed a cannonball record, too. | The mark stood until 2006, when a team in a 2000 BMW M5 connected the coasts in 31 hours, 4 minutes. In 2007, another team in a Ferrari 550 Maranello claimed a cannonball record, too. |
| Ed Bolian beat them all in 2013, finishing in 28:50 in a 2004 Mercedes CL55 AMG with co-driver Dave Black and passenger Dan Huang. | Ed Bolian beat them all in 2013, finishing in 28:50 in a 2004 Mercedes CL55 AMG with co-driver Dave Black and passenger Dan Huang. |
| Last November, the team of Mr. Tabbutt, co-driver Arne Toman and passenger Berkeley Chadwick drove a 2015 Mercedes E63 AMG and finished in 27:25. | Last November, the team of Mr. Tabbutt, co-driver Arne Toman and passenger Berkeley Chadwick drove a 2015 Mercedes E63 AMG and finished in 27:25. |
| The record might have held for years if not for the coronavirus. But with American cities suddenly unclogged of traffic, and with vast stretches of highways devoid of most passenger cars, cannonballers saw opportunity. | The record might have held for years if not for the coronavirus. But with American cities suddenly unclogged of traffic, and with vast stretches of highways devoid of most passenger cars, cannonballers saw opportunity. |
| “There have been multiple runs the past couple of weeks,” said Mr. Bolian, who monitors these things closely. | “There have been multiple runs the past couple of weeks,” said Mr. Bolian, who monitors these things closely. |
| The crew that just lowered the mark to 26 hours, 38 minutes, was not widely familiar within the cloaked community of cannonballers. They have not made themselves public. Through Mr. Bolian, who has been in contact with them, they declined to comment. | The crew that just lowered the mark to 26 hours, 38 minutes, was not widely familiar within the cloaked community of cannonballers. They have not made themselves public. Through Mr. Bolian, who has been in contact with them, they declined to comment. |
| A photograph of the car and a digital clock with the finish time appeared on a Facebook page, since deleted. (“Word on the street there’s a new cannon ball record yesterday of 26:38 damn that’s fast,” it read.) Mr. Bolian, a curator of cannonball records and culture, said that the crew had contacted him during and after the run, and that he had seen enough evidence, from GPS data to time-stamped photographs, to believe that the time was valid. | A photograph of the car and a digital clock with the finish time appeared on a Facebook page, since deleted. (“Word on the street there’s a new cannon ball record yesterday of 26:38 damn that’s fast,” it read.) Mr. Bolian, a curator of cannonball records and culture, said that the crew had contacted him during and after the run, and that he had seen enough evidence, from GPS data to time-stamped photographs, to believe that the time was valid. |
| And, now, a new debate. | And, now, a new debate. |
| “Legitimacy is the question,” Mr. Bolian said. | “Legitimacy is the question,” Mr. Bolian said. |
| Does the lack of traffic dilute the record? Mr. Bolian pondered this on his popular YouTube channel, raising the question more than answering it. Some wonder if the new mark deserves the proverbial asterisk, a mental footnote acknowledging that it was earned in an altered landscape. | Does the lack of traffic dilute the record? Mr. Bolian pondered this on his popular YouTube channel, raising the question more than answering it. Some wonder if the new mark deserves the proverbial asterisk, a mental footnote acknowledging that it was earned in an altered landscape. |
| Even the men whose record was broken sound ambivalent about it. | Even the men whose record was broken sound ambivalent about it. |
| “Is this the record?” Mr. Toman asked. “I would say yes. But if I had this lack of traffic, I could have gone a lot faster than 27:25, too.” | “Is this the record?” Mr. Toman asked. “I would say yes. But if I had this lack of traffic, I could have gone a lot faster than 27:25, too.” |
| A bigger ethical issue — ethics being blurred in the outlaw culture of cannonballing — is the timing of the feat during a pandemic that is sickening, and killing, people in alarming numbers. A Car and Driver editorial called this “the opposite of the perfect time” for a cannonball run. Mr. Toman agreed. | A bigger ethical issue — ethics being blurred in the outlaw culture of cannonballing — is the timing of the feat during a pandemic that is sickening, and killing, people in alarming numbers. A Car and Driver editorial called this “the opposite of the perfect time” for a cannonball run. Mr. Toman agreed. |
| “I wouldn’t want to attach my name to breaking the record right now,” Mr. Toman said. “The public distaste for it would far outweigh the glory.” | “I wouldn’t want to attach my name to breaking the record right now,” Mr. Toman said. “The public distaste for it would far outweigh the glory.” |
| Still, he and others expect more cannonball pursuits in the coming weeks of quarantine. If the record goes even lower, it may be out of reach in the long run, since such conditions may never return. | Still, he and others expect more cannonball pursuits in the coming weeks of quarantine. If the record goes even lower, it may be out of reach in the long run, since such conditions may never return. |
| “What makes me sad is that it might be the final chapter,” Mr. Toman said. | “What makes me sad is that it might be the final chapter,” Mr. Toman said. |