Well, my mother-in-law was in a very big car accident yesterday morning off Route 140 and Route 24 in Taunton, MA. She is OK. A bit shaken, but only some lascerations and bruising. Not even a broken bone. I am waiting to see pictures of the wreck, but from the description it sounds like she is lucky to be alive. Thanks to the Volvo she was driving.
While attempting to take an exit, a big rig quickly turned into her lane, pushing her car into the barrier walls and scraping her for about 1/8 mile into a bridge railing. The car had enough force to knock over two of the concrete pilons that comprise the bridge. Both of which fell onto the highway below and miraculously did not kill anybody driving by.
The sides of the car were both sheared off and the roof collapsed a couple inches. But apparently it looks like one of those "cut-away" models you see at dealerships and car shows. The honeycomb protection was all over the street and the interior door panels and safety cage were all that was left of the driver's side. Even the wheels got sheared off.
Even the State Troopers were in awe since she just walked away from the accident and no one was seriously hurt. They looked at her and looked at the car and told her that any other car would have been crushed flat. and she is a very good driver. I think this was her first accident in nearly 35 years of driving. THIS CAR (2001 Volvo XC70 Wagon) SAVED HER FROM SERIOUS INJURY!
Just goes to show you that Volvo's safe reputation is not all marketing hype. They really do make cars that can save lives.
I'll try and get ahold of the pictures so i can post them here. I haven't seen them yet.
Drive carefully!
Safety Fast!
