Why I got rid of my smart!

[BlkonBlk]

This is true, I just traded my smart in, yesterday while driving to work, I was patiently waiting at the stop sign to hop on the merrit parkway here in orange ct, look to my left and do not see any cars in the right lane but, many in the left so I figure I have enough clearance to get up to speed and clear any faster oncoming traffic, well as I pull out into the lane I look in my rear view mirror and see a small lady in a red suburban switch rather rapidly from the left lane into my lane and all I can see is her clenching the steering wheel with her mouth wide open and bellows of smoke pour out of her wheel wells as she skids well over 80 mph to avoid me going maybe 40 mph, she came within a foot of ending my life and I was so shookin up from the event I decided to take the smart back, the thought of what could have happen to me if she had not hit her brakes or not seen me, it would have been most definitely a fatality, the smart was a fun car and I loved owning it, but in a country where we are still stuck on 6,000 lb SUV's and trucks bigger than most garages, I cannot justify having a car this small, I just didn’t feel safe anymore and I would rather spend the money on gas and feel safer

[BigWarpGuy]

I understand why you did what you did. I have read that the Smart Fortwo is very safe vehicle. I feel safe in my little car.

[Okie Boy]

Originally Posted by BlkonBlk

This is true, I just traded my smart in, yesterday while driving to work, I was patiently waiting at the stop sign to hop on the merrit parkway here in orange ct, look to my left and do not see any cars in the right lane but, many in the left so I figure I have enough clearance to get up to speed and clear any faster oncoming traffic, well as I pull out into the lane I look in my rear view mirror and see a small lady in a red suburban switch rather rapidly from the left lane into my lane and all I can see is her clenching the steering wheel with her mouth wide open and bellows of smoke pour out of her wheel wells as she skids well over 80 mph to avoid me going maybe 40 mph, she came within a foot of ending my life and I was so shookin up from the event I decided to take the smart back, the thought of what could have happen to me if she had not hit her brakes or not seen me, it would have been most definitely a fatality, the smart was a fun car and I loved owning it, but in a country where we are still stuck on 6,000 lb SUV's and trucks bigger than most garages, I cannot justify having a car this small, I just didn’t feel safe anymore and I would rather spend the money on gas and feel safer

If a 6,000 lb vehicle runs into you at 80 mph it won't matter what vehicle you are in you are likley to be dead or badly injured. Pulling out into high-speed traffic from a stop is risky at best, people do not pay attention or stay in their lanes.

[Orphan-Beggar]

You traded what for what?
What value were you given? How many miles?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by BlkonBlk

This is true, I just traded my smart in, yesterday while driving to work, I was patiently waiting at the stop sign to hop on the merrit parkway here in orange ct, look to my left and do not see any cars in the right lane but, many in the left so I figure I have enough clearance to get up to speed and clear any faster oncoming traffic, well as I pull out into the lane I look in my rear view mirror and see a small lady in a red suburban switch rather rapidly from the left lane into my lane and all I can see is her clenching the steering wheel with her mouth wide open and bellows of smoke pour out of her wheel wells as she skids well over 80 mph to avoid me going maybe 40 mph, she came within a foot of ending my life and I was so shookin up from the event I decided to take the smart back, the thought of what could have happen to me if she had not hit her brakes or not seen me, it would have been most definitely a fatality, the smart was a fun car and I loved owning it, but in a country where we are still stuck on 6,000 lb SUV's and trucks bigger than most garages, I cannot justify having a car this small, I just didn’t feel safe anymore and I would rather spend the money on gas and feel safer

Your car, your call. Completely understand what you are saying. What did you trade the smart for and did you get decent trade in value?

[p1nball]

Originally Posted by BlkonBlk

This is true, I just traded my smart in, yesterday while driving to work, I was patiently waiting at the stop sign to hop on the merrit parkway here in orange ct, look to my left and do not see any cars in the right lane but, many in the left so I figure I have enough clearance to get up to speed and clear any faster oncoming traffic, well as I pull out into the lane I look in my rear view mirror and see a small lady in a red suburban switch rather rapidly from the left lane into my lane and all I can see is her clenching the steering wheel with her mouth wide open and bellows of smoke pour out of her wheel wells as she skids well over 80 mph to avoid me going maybe 40 mph, she came within a foot of ending my life and I was so shookin up from the event I decided to take the smart back, the thought of what could have happen to me if she had not hit her brakes or not seen me, it would have been most definitely a fatality, the smart was a fun car and I loved owning it, but in a country where we are still stuck on 6,000 lb SUV's and trucks bigger than most garages, I cannot justify having a car this small, I just didn’t feel safe anymore and I would rather spend the money on gas and feel safer

As stated before, in other threads, some people just can't make the adjustment. Not your fault!!!! I used to live up in your area, and know how stressful the highways are!! Not much better down here!! Your on a Parkway(NO COMMERICAL TRAFFIC). Down here as well as most of the USA, interstates highways. In the Charlotte metro area I 77, I 85, I 40, the most tractor trucks and tandem trailers to be found. Driving the Smart is a challange, in this type of traffic. You really have to drive this car with a clear head, as it will not drive as well as it should in this type of enviroment. Anyway Good luck in a "Yank Tank" and feel safe!!!
p1nball

PS this is a CITY CAR!!!

[T12121]

I drive the highway daily and I dont understand why people say stay off the highway? I have no problems driving it on the highway. but maybe I am one of the few. This is a car that needs to be driven that it no doubt. But I still love it.

Thats my 2 cents worth!

[Krodista]

my best advice for the situation is to always drive like those around you are drunk idiots. Look for ways to get out of the way of them if need be at all times. Knowing the limitations of your car is an important factor and knowing how traffic generally runs is also good. A bigger car wont make you that much safer in the same situation...unless its a car with more zip, so that you can speed up to traffic speeds faster.

[yellow smart]

I feel safe in our Smart. My wife and I decided that the only way this car can be seen is by having a bright color, hence we both decided that yellow was the best color for helping to ensure other drivers see you. I am worried that drivers with black-on-black cars at dusk, night, or dawn can't be seen by other drivers, hence I would never have a dark colored Smart.

I wonder if the color of your car contributed to your situation? I fully understand your concern with getting hit by a SUV. I've told my wife many times not to get in a situation where you are having to gun the engine to get up to speed quick.

Yellow-Smart

[BigWarpGuy]

What be cool and perhaps on the safe side is having translucent panels that have a lights behind them so they 'light up' at night or during dark periods?