Returning from a holiday event late last night we "encountered" an opposite direction vehicle passing traffic at the crest of a hill. Needless to say the flick of the wrist on the steering wheel and judicious use of a narrow shoulder averted a head on collision by the hair of our chinny chin chin. Moments later as my charming bride was gathering her composure, she said "now I know why you love our MINI". So we want wish all the holiday cheer and gratitude we can muster to the folks who designed and built our R53. Thank you!

 

+1
The best way to avoid an accident is to not be where the sheet metal meets!! Maneuverability is perhaps mini's BEST safety feature (a really good driver helps too!)!!
Good to hear it turned out fine!!

 

I have a similar story. Was driving in the right lane on an Interstate coming into Oklahoma City last summer. There was a car next to me in the left lane. I happened to glance in the rear view mirror and see a Lexus bearing down on me. It was going soo fast I knew there was no way he was going to avoid hitting me. Why he was going so fast, I have no idea. I jerked the wheel right and jumped into the emergency shoulder. He flew past us. I didn't even have enough time to warn my wife. Her only comment, 'Wow, that was close'..

 

Thanks. We were going to take my wife's car but at the last minute we took the MINI. Best decision made in many a year. If any doubter about the MINI's maneuverabilty had witnessed our experience, they would now be a touter not a doubter.

 

This business is what's known as "active safety," which translates to wonderful handling dynamics, as opposed to passive safety items such as crush zones, air bags, etc. It's what I want in a car and one of the reasons I'm so pleased with my MCS Clubman.