RIP my 'lil Insight...

airgate · 12-04-2009, 06:32 PM

It happened last night...I had just fueled up (avg'd 44mpg) and bought a big cup of coffee, less than a mile from my house, I was fiddling with the top of the coffee cup and the damn styrofoam cup broke sending hot coffee all over my...well...I completely freaked and next thing I knew...I was off the road, down the embankment, through the wood line and onto the river... Sorta like a morbid trip to grandma's house, huh? I even had Christmas music on...

I hit the water and was in complete PANIC. I couldn't open the door and flashes of those survival shows were telling me to calm down and let the water enter, equalizing the pressure, yada, yada...well, I couldn't do that as patience has never been a virtue of mine...and I lowered the window and swam about 40 feet to the river's embankment...and finally walked over to the roadside where 3~4 folks were eager to throw thick towels on me and got me to calm down. Rescue was near immediate...in fact, I don't recall "waiting" on them at all.

My poor 'lil Insight is a goner. I will miss that 'lil car.

Here are some pics...

The car went off right before the concrete culvert here...

They had to smash the windows to get the tow hook secured...

airgate · 12-04-2009, 06:33 PM

And here's the last pic I took of her before this disaster... I had just shared a status on Facebook where my 'lil Insight turned 6 months old and had 17,175 miles.

JTS · 12-04-2009, 07:27 PM

This saddens me deeply. I am sorry for your loss.

jmatero · 12-04-2009, 07:39 PM

Glad you're ok!! The reality is... it's only a car. It can be replaced. That said... will you get another I2????

adric22 · 12-04-2009, 08:00 PM

I wonder if this is the first "totaled" insight II? Of course, I'm sure it will show up in a few months for sale with a salvage title. It doesn't appear to have any serious impact damage, so it is probably just body damage and water damage.

So, did the lake water help cool down the area which was hot from the coffee spill?

I'm curious.. Did the car completely submerge, or just partially? If it did submerge, I'm guessing it was still afloat when you exited through the window?

You know, this type of thing has always scared me since I tend to have my daughter in the car with me. She's 6 now and usually does her own seatbelt and is just in a booster seat. But when she was younger in the full child-seat with the criss-cross seatbelt, I would have had to get back there and get her out of there before I could think about getting out of the car.

**waterdog** · 12-04-2009, 08:54 PM

glad you're OK - as jmatero said - you can replace the car.

I'm wondering though, were you unable to open the door because it was locked? If so, makes me think I should turn off that auto door lock feature.

JTS · 12-04-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterdog

glad you're OK - as jmatero said - you can replace the car.

I'm wondering though, were you unable to open the door because it was locked? If so, makes me think I should turn off that auto door lock feature.

Just the pressure from the water pushing against the door would make it pretty difficult to open it. Thats why they tell you to stay calm and wait for the car to fill with water. The pressure balances out making it easier to open.

inblack · 12-04-2009, 09:46 PM

I'm very sorry to hear your loss..

This is sad.

jkbrushaber · 12-04-2009, 09:55 PM

So sorry for you loss. I've been wondering why my insurance rates keep going up??? I sure hope you didn't spill ALL you starbucks coffee, such a shame! At least the person you were talking on the cell phone with was able to call 911 for you. A good fast response made sure you were not too cold or uncomfortable. Glad to hear you are alright, just imagine if you had run into a van with a couple and their 6 kids instead of a pond.

Everyone, please remember to actually drive when you are "driving". It's best for us all.

joecvt · 12-04-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkbrushaber

So sorry for you loss. I've been wondering why my insurance rates keep going up??? I sure hope you didn't spill ALL you starbucks coffee, such a shame! At least the person you were talking on the cell phone with was able to call 911 for you. A good fast response made sure you were not too cold or uncomfortable. Glad to hear you are alright, just imagine if you had run into a van with a couple and their 6 kids instead of a pond.

Dude.....Why do this? Perhaps one day, the shoe will be on the other foot and is this what you would like to read in regards to your misfortune?

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner