Why we should all be driving around with tow bars

[lozzie]

Yes, thats right, I think you should all go get yourselves a tow bar!

I was driving home from going out for lunch today, when this guy in front of me in the right hand lane was sitting with his blinker to turn right at the lights, although there really wasnt anywher to turn because there wasnt a road on the right.

But the point is that the guy in front of me suddenly stopped in the middle of a 70 zone, so I gradually pulled to a stop, and looked in my rear view mirror only to see a car coming straight at me... at which stage he slammed his brakes on and then CRASH the guy slammed into the back of my car and my car moved forward and i saw a cloud of smoke billow up. Mum was in my passenger side and she jumped out straight away... but i sat there for a moment or two... scared to see the damage done to my car because the person behind me hadnt been paying attention. And the size of the bang surely indicated a fairly bad dint to James (my car).

But when i got up the nerves to get out and have a look at my car... i could scarcely believe my eyes... it didnt look like a car had just slammed into the rear of my car. My tow bar took on the whole force of his car banging into mine. I could hardly believe it!

On closer inspection when i arrived home... 50 minutes drive from where the guy banged into my car (wish i had have been closer to home)... I actually looked at my tow bar... its been bent... and did actually just bump my car in one tinsy spot... as its now closer to the body of my car than it was before. but yeah, he bent my tow bar and i'll need to get it replaced cause dad said he doesnt think i'd be able to get my spare off now.

but yeah, if he bent the cylindrical 1 or more inches of solid steel... imagine what he'd have done to the rear of my car if it hadnt been there!!!

So i shall be singing the praises of my tow bar for a while to come.

 

[The_White]

Wow. glad you are OK.

Hmmm, towbars as shock absorbers. interesting idea. There might be a market for bumper shocks.

While we are at it, why dont all cars just get a ring of rubber around them and we can all play dodgems 24/7

 

[LivingWorship]

But then we'd need a bumper for the ring of rubber that protects the tow bar that protects the bumper bar which theoretically speaking is supposed to protect the car which in absolute theory is meant to protect its occupants... phew...

Lozzie I'm just glad you're alright

 

[Bevlina]

Whew ... what a fright Loz! I have a towbar on mine. But - whoa - the damage done to the other car might have been a fair bit. Whew - you had a lucky escape there honey.
If he'd hit the back of your car ........... I hate to think what would have happened if he bent the towbar.

 

[skinnybrad]

whoa that is scary... what does his car look like?

 

[geoffins]

I should suggest singing the praises of God, as well as towbars

 

[inquisitor_11]

Well, it cant really work out any better than that!

I reckon you should probably get the car checked out, just in case- there might not be any damage to the panels, but there could be some damage to the chassis etc. that could cause problems down the track...

 

[KristianJ]

I should suggest singing the praises of God, as well as towbars

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode when the inanimate carbon rod saved Homer and the astronauts from frying on reentry into the atmosphere, and they idolised the rod put of proportion... I'm intrigued as to whether the towball had a cover, Lauren...but I'm glad all's fine for ya!

 

[lozzie]

I should suggest singing the praises of God, as well as towbars

i was singing the praises of God way before my little encounter yesterday, and shall be singing them when towbars are a thing of the past

thanks for the advice though its gooood advice to anyone

 

[lozzie]

I reckon you should probably get the car checked out, just in case- there might not be any damage to the panels, but there could be some damage to the chassis etc. that could cause problems down the track...

yeah, i know... i'm pretty certain that my exhaust pipe was just moved slighthly... hopefully nothing worse...

I'm intrigued as to whether the towball had a cover

nope... but i know i've never towed anything in the 3 years i've had my car... but yeah, towball is completely clean.

 

[CherylNMO]

Wow! I'm glad you weren't hurt What in the world was the person in front of you thinking? Turning where there wasn't a road? Plus, it makes you wonder if the driver behind you was paying attention.

I'm glad you're fine and that your car is fixed soon.

 

[marduke]

hopefully theres no chassis damage... but glad your ok

 

[Dryotriorchis]

I wont comment on anydrivers stupity, for all i know that guy was turning into his driveway or somthing, and for all i know that guy behind you could have been paying attention, and that you had actully stoped quicker then you thought - but i wasnt there so no comment, was anyone else hurt, im glad that it seems no one was, My mother was ina similar event like you, bur she was at traffic lights when it happened, and a row bar saved most of her car from damage.

~Dry

 

[Karen Fergusson]

last i heard you werent allowed to drive around with your towbar on... newer type in sth oz. illegal or something, because of the damage they do to other cars when they run into them..... LOL

anyways, everyone still leaves them on, including us oopsie

Glad you and Jason came thru it ok tho

 

[marduke]

I wont comment on anydrivers stupity, for all i know that guy was turning into his driveway or somthing, and for all i know that guy behind you could have been paying attention, and that you had actully stoped quicker then you thought

~Dry

mate its a mitsubishi sigma they arent meant to stop quickly no offence Loz

 

[Bevlina]

Hmnnnn ... I'm wondering about the other car.

 

[lozzie]

Hmnnnn ... I'm wondering about the other car.

he'd the bumper, and the panel on either side of it to replace.

 

[lozzie]

I wont comment on anydrivers stupity, for all i know that guy was turning into his driveway or somthing, and for all i know that guy behind you could have been paying attention, and that you had actully stoped quicker then you thought - but i wasnt there so no comment, was anyone else hurt, im glad that it seems no one was, My mother was ina similar event like you, bur she was at traffic lights when it happened, and a row bar saved most of her car from damage.

~Dry

the first thing the guy said when i got out of my car was "it was a green light" and accused me of being stupid for being stopped when the light was green... he wasnt paying attention or else he would have realised there was a car in front of me... which he didnt

 

[Sharky]

good to hear you're okay! That's something that will stay with you for a while .

I might get a tow bar as well .

 

[marduke]

i wont be getting a towbar.. #1 it will make my car look ugly. and #2 i have full comp. insurance. great thing to have.