Today, my MINI took on a larger role in my life: that of lifesaver! Here's what happened: I am driving along the interstate at around 70 in the far left lane. A VW Jetta travelling about 55 or so in the middle lane decides to hop into the fast lane. Without so much as a look or a blinker (perhaps my all-time pet peeve), she turns sharply to the left, where my MINI was motoring along smoothly!

Before she notices my presence, I slam on the brakes and narrow my distance from the median to about 12 inches. Gritting my teeth, I wait for the collision...that NEVER HAPPENED! Thanks only to my MINI! She immediately jumped over to the right exit lane and got off the interstate, where she belongs IMHO.

Let me be the first to confirm that the ABS system works like a champ! I had a lot of pressure on the brake pedal, yet there was no time that the wheels locked! Thanks, BMW! Now, had I been in my ahem...SUV (which has found a new owner), chances are that I'd still be near that median, and she would possibly have caused me serious bodily injury. Thanks only to the MINI's size and features, everyone emerged untouched. I know it's not nice, but I do hope she has nightmares starring a certain IndiBlue vehicle with a white top that is still on the roads no thanks to her! BMW really did it right! But I'm preaching to the choir here, so I'll stop. :smile:

Jason

 

I love happy endings!

 

MiniMe,


Happy to know the ABS works well..... Some of these ABS systems on the roads today are better left off the cars (ie, WRX... it's said to have some of the worst brakes going)

well.... Keep it safe and keep it straight
Happy Motoring
SW

 

Glad to hear you are safe.

My Mini is the first car I have had with ABS brakes. Though nothing like your experience, I do feel the brakes are so much more effective. An obvious difference from my old car.

 

That had to be one bad adrenaline rush...... I got one just reading your post. Since driving my mini over the last 6 months, I have become VERY defensive in my driving....

Heaven forbid, but has anyone had a fender bender yet?

 

a

 

>>The ones that erk me the most are the people who get on the interstate and without hesitation.... shoot all the way to the fast lane...... even though they've yet to top 50mph!! Ok that was my rant.

SW, I have to agree with you, though I'm not an overly aggressive driver (I'm lying now), but what kills me are those people crawling on the highway, when does this become a good idea? "You know what? I think I'm gonna drive REAL slow today, right smack in the middle of Friday New Yorker-rush-to-the beach-traffic, in CT. In fact, I've decided to make this practice even more annoying and dnagerous by driving in the left hand lane... on a 2 lane highway!!! Why are all of those people honking at me and waving with one finger? Oh! I must have a light out."

Wow, have been waiting to get that off of my chest... I really can't stand those people... canI mention an even bigger pet peeve? MINIVANS!!!!!!!!!!!
-Chris

 

Chris - totally agree.

I know I am a good driver, but it is all the idiots out there that make is so unsafe.

 

Hmmm....
I have a problem with:
Drivers who merge into highway traffic doing 45mph. :evil:
Drivers who are indecisive :evil:
MINIVANS :evil: :evil: