I have come to believe that car accident survival (and any other death) has a lot to do with "is it my time?"...My sister has had THREE major accidents (and not been hurt more than bruising in any!). The first, she was driving a early 80s Mazda 323 hatchback (teeny, tiny car) and some idiot in a "big American car" turned left in front of her--she hit at about 60 mph--no injuries other than seat belt bruising, car was totalled. Since the 3rd accident, her husband will only let her drive an OLD Volvo 240 (cheaper to replace, but still safe LOL).

Also, I read a recent accident report in the local paper: A new Ford Excursion was driving along the highway at about 65, an older (late 70s/early 80s) Lincoln (the big one) pulled out and the Excursion driver was killed. Lincoln driver was OK, even though the Excursion hit on the driver's side.

I drive both an older Mercedes (190D) and a newer VW Golf. Parked next to each other, they are pretty much the same size...I think the VW is actually a tad longer. I feel safe in both because I wear my seatbelt, sit in the proper position, and drive DEFENSIVELY (my dad knocked this into my head at an early age, sis didn't learn to drive until 25). I mainly end up watching for the MANY people in SUV/Pickup trucks who can not seem to stay on their side of the line on the winding country roads.

There have been 8 "young driver" fatalities this year in our rural county. All of them have been teenage boys who were drinking (or riding with someone drinking). My 12 year old son gets a safety lesson every single time we drive. I actually point out safety hazards (see the deer 200 feet up the road?, see the driver who may or may not pull out in front of you? see the black ice?). Hopefully he will have developed good judgement by the time he's old enough to drive--he'll know what to look for, but will he be able to say NO to his drunk friend? Course, he'll never be leaving the house again now that I think about it...

Cathy

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3Diesels
1987 Mercedes 190D 2.5/non turbo/auto
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins auto
2003 VW Golf TDI 5 speed