When bad things happen to good cars
2010.06.06 11:23 PM Filed in: Cars
...or what happens when people think red lights are optional. 
Unfortunately, it looks like my budding autocross career will be temporarily put on hold. I was waiting to turn left at an intersection and was primed accordingly. When the light turned amber, traffic appeared to slow, then it went red and I proceeded. Somebody either thought he could make it through in time or didn't see his red light.
Most important is that everybody walked away from this. Though the parties were obviously shaken, we were calm and civil and there was no animosity. It's a shame we had to meet this way - him and his buddy seem like really nice guys. They were able to drive away (impact point middle of the front of the car), but my car was completely un-driveable (impact point front passenger corner). It was a challenge just to get her off the road onto the shoulder.
Two witnesses gave me their contact information confirming that they saw him run the red light, which is good for me and my record. Sadly, that doesn't help my baby any... I'm glad I got to take her out to autocross school and the Sunday event last month at least! Perhaps you folks will have a better idea, but this looks like an awful lot of damage on a car that's getting up there in years and down there in value. It is the sporty Sentra, but it's still a Sentra. I fear a write-off is in my future.
I hope Autopac can save my beloved Spec V. She brought me such joy every time I took her out for a spin. If not, well, I've got something else in mind...
Here are the after pics. The before pics are from the May event with me finishing in last place by time but with a first place grin on my face.
The Carnage
Unfortunately, it looks like my budding autocross career will be temporarily put on hold. I was waiting to turn left at an intersection and was primed accordingly. When the light turned amber, traffic appeared to slow, then it went red and I proceeded. Somebody either thought he could make it through in time or didn't see his red light.
Most important is that everybody walked away from this. Though the parties were obviously shaken, we were calm and civil and there was no animosity. It's a shame we had to meet this way - him and his buddy seem like really nice guys. They were able to drive away (impact point middle of the front of the car), but my car was completely un-driveable (impact point front passenger corner). It was a challenge just to get her off the road onto the shoulder.
Two witnesses gave me their contact information confirming that they saw him run the red light, which is good for me and my record. Sadly, that doesn't help my baby any... I'm glad I got to take her out to autocross school and the Sunday event last month at least! Perhaps you folks will have a better idea, but this looks like an awful lot of damage on a car that's getting up there in years and down there in value. It is the sporty Sentra, but it's still a Sentra. I fear a write-off is in my future.
I hope Autopac can save my beloved Spec V. She brought me such joy every time I took her out for a spin. If not, well, I've got something else in mind...
Here are the after pics. The before pics are from the May event with me finishing in last place by time but with a first place grin on my face.
The Carnage