Many times when discussing my vehicle with those who know nothing about it (as I'm sure many of us do), I'm presented with the argument that due to the small size of the MINI, it is not very safe. I'm often given the examples that my car wouldn't stand a chance if it were up against a semi, a train (few things would here), another larger vehicle, or a swarm of mosquitoes. I come to you today to put forth a counterpoint. You see, I had an experience today on my way home from work that, between the moments when I feared for my life and tried to think of inventive ways in which the driver of the other vehicle should have his genitalia removed, showed me that in the right situation, having a small vehicle is absolutely key to survival on the road.

Today the driver of an F350 decided that the rules of physics need not apply, and that his truck would have no problem existing in the exact same place as my MINI.

The truck was hauling a trailer (a good-sized one, perhaps for hauling lawn equipment, but it was covered) in the middle lane. I was in the high-speed lane, passing him. When I was next to his trailer, he put on his right-of-way-indicator---erm, I mean, turn signal. Being the rather impatient person that he is, the driver moved into my lane. With me still in it. Of course, I moved over a bit to allow him room, and kept my finger on my horn (my steering wheel buttons make that ever so convenient). After about 15 seconds of driving with me next to him with the horn blaring, he finally moves back over. As I pass him, he is cordial enough to flip me off after nearly killing me. What a gentleman!

The only question in my mind is whether he is completely oblivious and was not aware of my presence for those 15 seconds, or whether he believed he had the right of way and I should simply give up and die.

Let this be an uplifting anecdote for all to use about the MINI's capability to stand up to a large truck BECAUSE it is small.

Also, to the man in the white truck: Go eat a ****, ******.

 

Crap like that is why I have the air horns.

 

I have my friends tell me all the time about how stupid I am for driving a mini. Just like you, the small and mighty mini saved the day. Severally weeks ago I was motoring on a twisty parkway. I'm speeding along (yeah..a little above the 55 ) in the left lane when an SUV and van pull on. No problem they have the right lane which is wide open. Well, the stupid women driving the 1980's van decides to pass the SUV and shifts into my lane...doing no more than 45 mph!!! Thank god the mini's brakes are responsive and being small stopping distance is less. I shifted into the right lane and pulled up right beside her and blew my horn. And just like you I got the middle finger wave. At this point the SUV had excellerated and I squeezed passed the van. It all happened so fast but mini was responsive - I felt it saved my life. If it happened in my Hyundai I don't think I could have stopped or maneuvered as well. I would have probable eatten this ladies bumper. In the end mini wins against oversized vans.

 

I think what you experienced is what I call right of weight. He was bigger & thought that gave him the right to move you over. I find that to be quite common with large vehicles. FWIW when I see a know nothing non-driver in one of those I'm ready to react.

MINI's are safe cars & are great at getting one out of a tight spot. MG had a saying that should apply to MINI's also...

 

I drive from Chagrin Falls to Orrville Monday through Friday. I have lost count of the number of deer I have avoided at the last minute. It saved my wife's bacon twice. I agree, having a car that can handle and get you out of trouble is a super thing. I had to get out of trouble one time with one of those funny cars (actually it was a big suburban) with all the funny lights on them .....