6/26/2009

Just Food for Thought

Suppose you drive an older, but not classic, automobile. It's got some dents and dings but is in fantastic running shape for a vehicle of its age.

Now let's say that you see a late model, high dollar, luxury car about to commit a blatant traffic violation, running a yield sign, for instance. If you were to brake, they will pass on and no one would be the wiser. If you do not brake they will side swipe you and, legally speaking, it will be entirely their fault. There is little risk of injury as the speeds involved are quite low.

So, given that any serious damage to your car will lead an insurance company to total it, do you slow down and let them sail on by or do you take the opportunity to make a rich asshole that can't be bothered to read street signs buy you a new car?

Just a hypothetical question.



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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

think I'd just let them pass on by. then I'd go home and make a wax model of them and stick pins in it

RawkStahr said...

Dammit. I didn't even think of this. Too late now.

Tom Harper said...

I probably wouldn't have the nerve to let an accident happen if I was able to brake in time; not even a low-impact sideswipe.

But having lived in Marin County, CA a long time ago, it would be tempting. The driver's arrogance level there is directly proportional to the expense of the car.

peony said...

The answer is, unequivocally, let them sail on by. First, even if the insurance company totals your car there is no guarantee you will get enough money to buy another that's mechanically as good. Second, even an extreme low speed crash can cause whiplash injuries. My own 3 mph collision resulted in undiagnosed minor whiplash. That minor injury lead directly to thirty years of excrutiating TMJ disorder pain, not to mention the thousands spent in dental and doctor bills. You saw and lived through the results of that pain. No collision or insurance payment or putting a jerk in his place is worth it. Ever.

waldo said...

Brace for impact...