Cindi's story
On October 4, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., headed on 1-95 South from D.C. to St. Simons Island, GA to see my married daughter, pregnant with our first grandchild; I was doing the speed limit and had not changed lanes in 20+ miles. 1 was in the right lane.
A rental car, a 2008 Dodge Charger, came upon my rear and struck me while I was traveling between 65-70 mph. He said he was doing about 75. So the impact did not damage the rear of my car - but rather pushed me off the freeway and I careened over the shoulder onto the grass and went airborne over a wide ditch; continued up an embankment on the other side – crashed head first into several trees at mile marker 136 on NC I-95 Southbound (nr Rocky Mount).
I lost consciousness at impact against the trees but now know that I was thrust back off the trees - spun backwards, apparently in the air, crossed the ditch again and landed on the other side of the ditch just short of the freeway shoulder. At the finish, I was facing oncoming traffic.
The State Trooper upon arrival began radioing the morgue, certain that no one had survived this crash and was astounded to find that I had been up walking and talking to several eye witnesses - the other driver (a 19 year old Navy enlistee and his passenger fellow serviceman from Norfolk VA traveling on leave to FL, but in an impaired state.) He was arrested and taken into custody.
I was finally commanded to lie down and when EMTs arrived, I was on a body board and my neck was braced and was taken by ambulance to Nash General Hospital. I had been lucid and had bystanders call both my husband in DC and my daughter in GA to alert them and assure them that I would be fine. After CT scans, x-rays, etc., I was released at 4:30 p.m.
I have a slight concussion, some abrasions, contusions, etc. But no broken bones or serious, lasting injuries. The car is totaled. The front end is now virtually non-existent - but I am writing you to tell you that SMART is safe. I am anxious to replace her and will never feel afraid in a Smart Car.
At the scene, with all the bystanders - I shared how safe my car is and that they should all take note that that car had been a major reason why I walked away from that accident. Fact is, I may have actually sold one or two! I have since heard from 2 witnesses who agree the car saved me. I returned home to Fairfax, VA on Sunday afternoon and began trying to contact my dealership and Smart USA headquarters, as I wanted to first of all - get the ball rolling on a reorder and also because I may be the first totaled Smart in the USA and want to be useful to promote its safety.
Editor update: Cindi has already taken possession of her new, replacement smartfortwo, and is happily and safely back on the road.