Like others have said, you can feel a little buffeting off of a semi. To the point of being a little annoying being behind one for too long. It holds itself steady though. I'm on the highway frequently and being around all other traffic has never been a problem, besides an oogler or two. Although it seems that more people like to race by me, even if I'm already speeding a bit.. (the casual 6mph over "speeder")
Those gusty side winds are what seem the worst. But still, the car holds. Plus, it adds fun to the driving experience! What's the point in driving without a little challenge now and then...
Not very many country-like backroads around here, but non busy side roads work just as well.
I dont understand this question, it is typically asked by people on Harleys wearing no helment around here. Do you ride a motorcycle? With a smart you are in a roll cage so you are at least as safe as you would be on a motorcycle right?
I dont understand this question, it is typically asked by people on Harleys wearing no helment around here. Do you ride a motorcycle? With a smart you are in a roll cage so you are at least as safe as you would be on a motorcycle right?
I too am a bit mystified as to this question and to any reasonable answer. The OP indicates familiarity with the car, the tridian cell, the airbag system, the crash testing etc but wants to know if the car is safe on the highway?
From what we know of accidents that have happenned the car has held up well. On the other hand we do believe there have been a couple of fatalities.
There is no question the car is as safe if not much safer than other cars of this size and weight. It's also clear that anyone can get killed in any car at any time depending on the details of the accident.
The fact is that with only some 30,000 smarts on the US roads and little more than 1 year of experience there is no other objective data on crash worthiness.
What would convince the OP that the car is unsafe? What would satisfy them that it was safe?
Only common sense and observations of the world around them. The word "safe" is one of those words that people in industry. ISO standards and governments call a "weasle" . What is safe? That is a word that can be defined by an infinate number of things to an infinate number of people.
1. Is it safe because of the seatbelts?
2. Is it safe because it has the trident cell?
3. Is it safe because it meets FMVSS (USA) requirements?
4. Is it safe because it meets ADR (Australia) requirements?
5. Is it safe because it meets GB (China) requirements?
6. Is it safe because it meets EU (Europe) requirements?
7. Is it safe because it meets CMVSS (Canadian) requirements?
8. Is it safe if you crash head on with a semi at full speed?
9. Is it safe if you are in it in a tornado?
10. Is it safe if you are caught in it during a flash flood?
11. Is it safe if you are in it in a drive by?
12. Is it safer than a motorcycle, snow mobile, moped, bicycle?
13. Is it as safe as a a tank, and armor plated personnel carrier, as the Presidents ride?
I've heard the pitch. Seen the steel cage. Read that it achieved the highest safety ratings.
But.
Should I consider another car if I'm planning to use this as a daily freeway driver?
Consider a Hummer or Yaris
Last edited by Orphan-Beggar; 04-13-2009 at 07:40 AM.
I've heard the pitch. Seen the steel cage. Read that it achieved the highest safety ratings. I driven the car. I like it.
But.
I live in LA. Most of my daily driving is on the freeway.
My question is:
Has anyone been in a real life crash in this car? How does it hold up? Should I consider another car if I'm planning to use this as a daily freeway driver?
Any feedback would certainly help my decision.
Thank you in advance.
~ Lusso
Yes you should, as at 70mph with a stiff cross wind it'll wear you out to drive it. It is brilliant in the city, ok for short freeway hops, but distance and wind, no.
Yes you should, as at 70mph with a stiff cross wind it'll wear you out to drive it. It is brilliant in the city, ok for short freeway hops, but distance and wind, no.
You can convince yourself of anything if you want to believe it. I really like the car, but it sucks at speed with bad crosswinds, and that's a fact.
If you wish to believe your smart is the 100% solution for all modes of travel, that's your choice. Mine is the 90% solution..... the other 10% being freeways.
"I live in LA. Most of my daily driving is on the freeway."
~ Lusso
Well as LA highway driving seems to crawl at 6mph perhaps a skateboard is more in tune with the speeds there.....
We here in Florida seem to be fine driving around at the very high end of the posted 70mph.... NEVER above that..no no NEVER I have never ever ever had it to the stated 92mph cut off....nope!
I've felt safe.. but than again I did put wider front tires on.
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I have never ever ever had it to the stated 92mph cut off....nope!
Today
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