This car saved our......

[rushfan]

Yesterday morning (early) we were on our way to the Minnesota rally, cruising across Wisconsin. We drove through a band of snow and ice, then came out the other side of it. The traffic had the right lane worn clear, so we went back up to highway speeds. A while after that, we came upon a bridge that was fairly high. About the time we got to the bridge (at about 73 mph), is when I notice the glare ice on it. We get hit with a substantial crosswind at the same time.
Rear end gets loose, and the car starts heading sideways. About the time I let off the throttle, and head for the brake pedal, the ESC must have kicked in, because this car somehow straightened itself out before I had much of a chance to do anything besides a small steering correction.
I feel bad that I was stupid to begin with for not seeing ahead of time that the bridges had the potential to be frozen, but I also firmly believe that if this was a different small car, the outcome would have been bad.
We bought this car because we love the styling, ease to park, and features, but the safety systems on the car have just moved to the top of that list.
Hopefully, everyone reading this doesn't have to use their ESC in that situation. But, take huge comfort in knowing it is there.
Thanks to smart engineers....
Brian

[Dunerunner]

Brian, a great story! Glad everyone is OK. Little smart does it's job well!!

[roobi9]

Amazing and glad everyone is ok! Thanks for sharing and giving us peace of mind regarding our smarts.

[JPaul]

Thanks for sharing.
You could share even further at safeandsmart.com: home

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Thanks for sharing.
You could share even further at safeandsmart.com: home

+1 for Safe and smart. Avoidance stories are good too

And yes I know those bridges were Icy in Miniapolos yesterday. It made me wonder who would design a Bridge that curves on a hill that would get Icy. Not so smart engineering, but the smart didn't care

[h20m0f0]

I have almost the same story with my car the day after I bought it I was heading home from Salt Lake when it began to hail. I was behind a Subaru both of our cars loss traction at the same time he spun around and was now facing me, my cars rear end slid out about a foot or so when the ESC kicked in I drove right passed him at about 70mph. So I was sold on the safety of my little car within 24hrs after I got it

[Duckhunter]

I have always been told do not use the brakes on ice, let off the gas and steer out of the spin. The key is to keep the wheels moving. Anti-lock brakes work this way if you slam on the brakes on dry pavement. Yes it is that time of year again. Glad everything worked out.

[DoraAnderson]

WHEW! Glad you and your smart are ok!

Having some issued wrapping my head around ice/snow... the predicted temperatures here this week will be mid 80's/low 90's!

Be safe out there!

[forestacademy]

I Blame the Canadians for bring down the cold with them.

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by Duckhunter

I have always been told do not use the brakes on ice, let off the gas and steer out of the spin. The key is to keep the wheels moving. Anti-lock brakes work this way if you slam on the brakes on dry pavement. Yes it is that time of year again. Glad everything worked out.

Right - when on ice, preserve what little traction you still have -- once you lose it, it's 10x harder to get back. That's what ESP and ABS programming are designed for; if your engine computer cuts back power, it's to prevent wheel slip.

Rushfan - I'm glad you avoided an accident at 70mph. Please submit your story to safeandsmart.com - to me, the avoidance stories are more important than survival because that's where the car's small size really shines.