[RH77]

I just got back from running some errands at the local "outdoor mall complex" and witnessed an accident.

I was getting ready to enter one of the main streets from the parking area when a SMART car, in front of me, was making a left turn. I watched the whole thing unfold (and consequently hit the brakes hard. There went the coffee -- least of my concerns at that point).

The SMART driver pulled in front of a late-model Suburban and took the impact at the drivers front corner and fender, into the center bumper and grille of the Chevy. After braking, I estimate the truck to have been going about 10-15 mph, with the Smart at less than 5 mph.

It was really interesting. The safety cage in the SMART did it's job excellently. I jumped out and was able to open the driver's door without a problem. Both occupants were belted, no airbag deployment, no immediate medical concerns.

The corner deformed and the car slid (in my direction). The rigid structure remained intact. Barring any suspension damage, the car could be pieced back together or even drivable today (after pulling the plastic fender piece back). The truck was hissing -- likely the A/C condenser leaking refrigerant. With the mid-mounted engine on the Smart, there wasn't much up there to damage. The radiator even made it! The cars could be pulled apart, but the truck's tow-hook was stuck in the Smart's front tire.

I stuck around long enough to give my statement and make sure there wasn't any delayed shock or other problems, and left.

If I had made the same mistake, it would have totaled Teggy for sure. I'm confident that both vehicles will be on the road again soon. I really have to hand it to the SMART engineers for the added safety despite the vehicle's size, and the simple, component-part repair process.

RH77