Prius vs. Pedestrian: car saved my life.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusOwner004 @ 2007 09 19 21:51) [snapback]515145[/snapback]</div>

Well, OK, then. I'll shutup now.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Sep 19 2007, 05:10 PM) [snapback]514992[/snapback]</div>

Yikes! You hit people who illegally pulled out in front of you. Tragically unfortunately for them, they weren't wearing a car at the time.

If they were in a car and it was just the front end of your car against the front end of their car, you'd be quite a bit less sad, and more angry about them causing an accident. And, you (or your insurance company) would be going after them as being at fault. On a cold, impersonal level, this is no different.

Sometimes, for incomprehensible reasons, people do things that are completely unsafe, and everyone around them has to suffer the consequences. You're hurting, and their families are hurting. Everyone who loves them now has to deal with the bitter pain of losing them. And they have paid the ultimate price for their carelessness.

I'm so sorry for you, I'm so sorry for their families, and I'm sorry for them, but it sure looks as if it was their fault, and their fault alone. And, as cold as it sounds, you also have a right to be a bit angry about innocently being put in this horrible horrible situation through absolutely no fault of your own.

 

Terribly sorry to read about your experience doc. Best wishes--Scott

 

Condolences for your trauma.

 

DocVijay, I want to thank you for posting this.
I understand that your intention is that we all learn that the Prius handles itself very well under extreme circumstances... and we've also learned that some Prius drivers do, as well.

Hugs from a distance: {{{{{DocVijay}}}}}

 

Bjorn, I am so, so sorry this has happened to you. How horrible.

I've been thinking about the situation, and have come to the conclusion that it was simply fate for these girls to pass on at that time. Nothing could have changed it. They could see you probably much easier than you could see them, especially if your state requires headlights on during rain. It was totally, completely their fault, and it sounds like such a stupid thing to do that I can only attribute it to fate.

It sounds like you tried your best to avoid them, even to the point of possibly endangering yourself. Nobody could ask for more from you. I hope you can find peace soon.

 

Its pretty much all been said, but wanted to add my voice of support. A very sad incident on all fronts. You bear a heavy weight, and I'm glad we here on PC can help in some small way.

Rob

 

Though I enjoy Priuschat everyday, most of the posts are so trivial (beeps on or off, HOV sticker whining, MPGs...etc.) Your post is one of the most sobering I have ever read. Thank you for sharing it, even if there is no way to change the outcome. I had a similar incident, where two kids on one bicycle came from between parked cars, and I hit them with my delivery truck. Luckily, they werent injured seriously. When I got back to work I showed the damage to my boss, and the dent on the hood had a layer of their skin on it. I felt sick. I know somewhat how you feel. Its not just a Prius issue, its a human issue. Everyone, be safe out there!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drifty'sDad @ Sep 19 2007, 10:26 PM) [snapback]515076[/snapback]</div>

DocVijay,
I wish to add my condolences for your horrifying experience. I can only imagine how I terrible I would feel if I were in your situation. You didn't do anything wrong, couldn't have done anything differently, yet I'm sure your mind still tries to make sense of it all.

For Drifty'sDad and others who drive in serious rain, I have found that Rain-X (first read about it here) is a truly wonderful product. At 35 MPH in most rain above a drizzle, it is pretty much equal to wipers and no more visually intrusive (especially at night on an unlit interstate). In really heavy rain, again at speed, it allows the wipers to clear the windshield as if you had no Rain-X in regular rain. I have tried the windshield washer fluid additive: don't bother. Besides only keeping the windshield clean where the wipers run, it seems to leave a film on the glass and the wiper blades. More work, but also much more effective: get the stuff you use after washing the windows well. Pretty much the same process as waxing the car - rub it on, buff it off after it dries.

I don't mean to suggest in any way that it would have changed Bjorn's situation. There were way too many factors involved. However, I have personally felt a LOT more comfortable in heavy rain since I started using Rain-X. Rain in which other cars have their wipers on high, still can't see much and barrel on at speed or slow down a LITTLE. The smarter ones pull over and wait for it to lighten up. In those situations, I have found I can carry on at 45 or 50 with the wipers running on high and see as well as if it were a moderate rain. And yes, I watch out for standing water in the wheel depressions in the road so as to avoid hydroplaning.


* No, I don't sell the stuff nor get commissions from sale, or own stock (as far as I know) in the company that makes it. Same as with all the Prii I have 'sold' to people by yammering on about the great features.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VBsportbiker @ Sep 20 2007, 02:54 AM) [snapback]515161[/snapback]</div>

I can't agree with this more. Just this morning I was leaving the ice rink and came to the crosswalk at the main road. There is a stop sign. A lady started crossing just as I approached the 'stop here' line without even looking to see if I was going to stop, never looked at me to make sure I DID see her, just assumed I would see her and stop. Around here, that is a BAD assumption. About 10% of the drivers really stop, most do a 'rolling stop' at various 'slow' speeds and there are those that think the stop sign means 'slow down only to the point you can still make the turn'. A TON of the 'non stoppers' are looking left for oncoming traffic, not to the right for pedestrians. I am amazed more people aren't hurt while legally crossing the roads. I imagine it is only because the pedestrians are mostly more vigilant than the lady I saw this morning.

 

I have always feared an incident like this, where someone walks out in front of me with nothing I could do, except live with the memory of it. I hope your pain eases and the memory fades. It's good to share this with all of your friends on PC.

A few years ago I had a somewhat similar, if much less traumatic, experience, where as a member of a jury I had to destroy someones life. I didn't make the bad choices, he did, but still it haunted me having to send someone to prison and take away everything that was dear to him. The memory has faded, but still it bothers me. It's okay and only natural for you to feel the pain, as long as you remember that it was not your doing - just dumb luck being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Peace.

Tom

 

Oh man. My condolences to you, Doc Vijay, and the families, and to the driver of the second car that struck them. Heck, I even feel for the emergency responders who came to the scene. This is just one of those crappy situations where every body loses. A different way, to varying degrees, but everyone's life is changed forever.

It is disturbing to look at/read... But honestly, I think I would need to talk about it in this way too.

My heart goes out to you.

shoe

 

If you think about how this could happen to virtually anyone, it is quite sobering. I was thinking about this last night as I drove home from work and again this morning.


Thanks for posting. I'm sorry it had to happen to you. Good luck.

 

You have great courage. Hope with time you're able to heal the emotional scar left by this accident that wasn't your fault.

Take care our thoughts are with you,
Gabe

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Sep 26 2007, 01:43 PM) [snapback]517979[/snapback]</div>

Hi Bjorn,

I have been lurking this thread and had not posted before now. My thoughts and prayers were with you since first reading your story and I am glad to hear things are starting to get better. I can only imagine how difficult the situation has been, and you just have to remember it was not your fault.

As far as totalling the car, it sounds like it is probably for the best, as at least it may help leave some bad memories behind. You can always gets a different colour / equipment combination if you choose to get another Prius, or perhaps consider a Camry Hybrid since I believe it has a bit more hip room, which would help with the car seats.

PS - I also vouch for bruceha_2000's (slightly OT) comment about Rain-X... this is a great product I have also been using for years and would highly recommend to increase visibility in bad weather.

 

Yea, I saw the hole in the windshield and wondered about that. So did the water get to the Cleansweep stuff under your passenger seat? Man, sounds like a lot of work just to get the stereo out (speakers and cables and all...)

Good luck to ya. Take it slow.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Sep 26 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]517979[/snapback]</div>

With three kids I'd look seriously at the Mazda 5. Before you know it they are going to be taking friends along on rides and you'll want a car that seats at least 6. I'm learning this the hard way and have to replace my Audi wagon prematurely.