Cindi's story (safeandsmart.com)

[jwight]

Dave Schembri talked about this at the Midwest Rally; not sure if everyone has seen it but it's worth knowing about when we get those "is it safe?" questions:

safeandsmart.com

[BobDiaz]

...
A rental car, a 2008 Dodge Charger, came upon my rear and struck me while I was traveling between 65-70 mph. He said he was doing about 75. So the impact did not damage the rear of my car - but rather pushed me off the freeway and I careened over the shoulder onto the grass and went airborne over a wide ditch; continued up an embankment on the other side – crashed head first into several trees at mile marker 136 on NC I-95 Southbound (nr Rocky Mount).

I lost consciousness at impact against the trees but now know that I was thrust back off the trees - spun backwards, apparently in the air, crossed the ditch again and landed on the other side of the ditch just short of the freeway shoulder. At the finish, I was facing oncoming traffic.
...

Given the violence of the accident, without knowing the outcome, one would have to assume that the driver was killed as a result and I'm sure that would have happened in a lessor car without the full protection of the Smart Car. The most amazing part of the account is this:

...
After CT scans, x-rays, etc., I was released at 4:30 p.m.

I have a slight concussion, some abrasions, contusions, etc. But no broken bones or serious, lasting injuries.
...

Bob Diaz

[tinysmart]

incredible...

[John_H]

It appears Cindi is from Fairfax, VA where I grew up so I sent a link to my sister and mom who are still in Fairfax.

Stories like that give me goose bumps.

[gstreetcomic]

I know about that story and i use it to tell the doubters just how safe this car really is

[Kermit]

Hey! I use her story too for a lot of the doubters.

[unicycle]

During my commute today, I tried to imagine how a car driving 10-20 mph faster than mine could come up behind me without my noticing.

According to the account, the Smart driver was going about 65. She said that the impaired driver hit her at about 75 mph. Assuming the range to be closer to 15 mph, I figured out that it's probably a good habit, as a defensive driver, to look in the rearview mirror periodically. Because I drive so slowly (avg 55 when the traffic is thin), I constantly look behind me to see if I need to adjust my driving style (mainly by speeding up temporarily if there is a truck gaining on me, tho there are other reasons I'd make adjustments).

I calculated that the Smart driver in the scenario above had about 10-15 seconds, max, to react. Still, that lower limit is quite enough to make a careful adjustment, like switching lanes if possible, slowing down (which would increase the likelihood of an impact but would also minimize the result), or even honking (as odd as it might seem, you sometimes have to honk at a driver behind you). Best option of all, however, would have been to speed up a bit while waiting for the other driver to notice her and get out of her lane.

When not about to change lanes, I'm sure many people forget to look in the rearview mirror. Under normal circ's, it's still a good idea to do so.

I'm glad she's ok -- remarkable story! -- and wanted to post this as a suggestion that might help other drivers.

[John_H]

Originally Posted by unicycle

She said that the impaired driver hit her at about 75 mph.

Actually she said

He said he was doing about 75.

I assumed this to be the other driver that "was arrested and taken into custody."

It's quite possible their speed was significantly greater than a 10mph difference.

If one chooses to drive slower in light traffic, being vigilant is always prudent but being paranoid may not help anyone. Keep an eye out and trust your own skills in observation and judgment. If one chooses to drive slower in heavy traffic, get out of my way!