Just a reminder for all drivers...

[Allison]

With the weather being as bad as it is this week in central North Carolina, please, please, please remember to slow down when you're driving. I made the mistake of not slowing down on 540, and I hydroplaned across three lanes of traffic and slammed into the guard rail.

Now, I may not be the most seasoned of drivers, but please don't make the mistake I did.

This happened only a couple hours ago. Luckily I missed the other drivers on the road, and I only hurt my pride. I'm still waiting to hear back on how bad the damage is done to my car. The entire back driver's side quarter panel is crumpled in, and my driver's side window is out of alignment. The engine wouldn't start, and due to the rain there are new water stains on the ceiling upholstery.

Just a reminder for everyone out there, Mini drivers or not, to slow down when the weather's nasty. Personally, I wish I would've given into the nagging voice in the back of my head that told me to take the long way. But it's a lesson learned.

Allison


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sxxyplayboy/crash2.jpg

[Deacs55]

So glad you weren't injured. :sigh1:

[yaemsiri]

Glad you're ok. Car can be fixed.

[Vango]

Glad your OK I know your sick about the mini but it can be fixed

[dmagoun]

Sorry to hear but glad you are alright!

[jcauseyfd]

What everyone else has said.

[Hammerette]

glad you're ok, i had a similar incident with my R50, except i slid across 2 lanes at 30-40mph and into a ditch and was inches from crashing into a high voltage electrical box... MINI undercarriage hit an above ground manhole and totaled the car... so i now drive extra safely in rain, i preach to everyone about driving slow in ANY form of bad weather

[Flynscot0256]

Ouch! The car can get fixed and you are OK that is the main thing

[maacodale]

Cars can always be fixed or replaced. Glad you aren't injured.

Very good advice, hopefully people will heed it. Drivers up here in Hampton Roads don't dare lift the the throttle in the rain. Not sure why, but it's a good place to own a body shop!

Good luck with the MINI, hopefully the damage isn't too bad!

[Nascar Mini]

Everyone please heed this advice from someone who knows first hand what can happen if you don't make yourself aware of road conditions and always error on the side of caution.
Be safe.
B.

[Sgt Pepper]

I'm glad that you weren't injured!

[GokartPilot]

Glad to hear you are ok.

[R52 WUF]

I came through the same area last night and it is a mess. Ditto on driving safe and smart.

[Taylor]

Yikes! I'm so glad to hear you're OK. So sorry about your MINI! If you need any help getting around, I live right off of 540. I can give you a ride.

I myself almost got into an accident on Monday on 540. A car in front of me and myself changed lanes to get away from a bunch of merging traffic. Seconds later he slams on brakes. I hit the brakes and snapped into the next left lane, which was empty thank god, and avoided rear ending him. As I passed him, I saw what made him stop. Two passenger cars in front of him had collided, possibly while changing lanes, resulting in both sets of tail lights and headlights pointing away from the road. With the rain coming down as hard as it was at 8 o'clock at night, it's amazing he saw them in time to stop.

Be careful out there everybody. You're not just slowing down so you don't cause an accident. You're also slowing down in case someone else causes an accident.

[Tmini08]

I glad you are OK and no one is hurt. Stay safe.

[ZOOOOOM!]

:thank_you:Thanks for the warning. I do slow up in bad weather, but its good to stop and be reminded!!! So thankful you were safe... Keeping your Angels busy!!!:thank_you::thank_you::thank_you:

[Red Dog]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident. Di I pass you on 540 yesterday?

[whitfar]

I am so sorry to hear this happened to you. I think its great of you to offer others words of caution during this time. Best wishes.

[Allison]

Thank you so much guys. I still haven't heard from the insurance company about my Napoleon, but hopefully I'll hear from them soon. I'm hoping it's just body work, but I'll have to wait and see.

I equated the accident to tripping and falling. You have that moment of OH CRAP, and your mind is still conscious but your body feels like it's disconnected and you're completely aware of what's happening and you can't do anything to stop it.

And Robin, I'm not sure. I ended up not far from the eastbound Captital exit, so you could've passed me. I know I saw a red mini drive past, but I can't remember if the fire department was there already or not.


Again, thank you all so much for the kind words. I'm just glad that I didn't hit anyone, let alone hurt anyone, and that I'm not injured. The bumps and bruises will heal.

[ClubMan]

Thanks for post, Allison. Glad you're OK and will hope for the best for your MINI.
Allison's experience and some of the replies make me think there might be some legitimacy to something I've been wondering about recently -- are MINIs more prone to hydroplaning than other cars? Seems like I've found myself skidding around recently in situations that I didn't think would cause hyrdoplaning in other/bigger/heavier/different cars, so I've been wondering if it's my MINI or just my imagination. Any input?
Everyone be safe in this crazy weather. At least it looks like it'll be a fine weekend for motoring after so much wind and rain this week.

[wildcrazy442000]

We tend to have pretty wide tires for the size car. Leave the DSC on and slow down. Glad no one was hurt and hope the car can be made right. Good Luck!