Wrecked the Vette!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I doubt it -- most folks have no appreciation for how much energy must be dissipated in a near-instantaneous stop at low speeds, and how short a time frame and crush distance to do it in.
A 30 mph impact at the door is far more severe than a 30 mph head-on hit, as there's virtually no crumple zone at the side. Basically, you have the hydroformed rail at the bottom, and the token side impact beam (which is no match for a telephone pole), and that's it -- no 6+ feet of front frame crumple/engine displacement to absorb the energy, and more importantly, to extend the collision duration so that the peak deceleration values at the occupant are much lower. Even in a side hit from another vehicle, the other vehicle's crumpling extends the impact duration and reduces the severity of the deceleration loads and minimizes cabin penetration.
So, was he doing 30 mph when he slid into a solid object from the side? I'd be willing to put money on it -- his injuries are perfectly consistent with 30. (Not to monetion that I expect we would have heard differently if the *witnessing* LEO saw it different).
$0.02 deposited.
A 30 mph impact at the door is far more severe than a 30 mph head-on hit, as there's virtually no crumple zone at the side. Basically, you have the hydroformed rail at the bottom, and the token side impact beam (which is no match for a telephone pole), and that's it -- no 6+ feet of front frame crumple/engine displacement to absorb the energy, and more importantly, to extend the collision duration so that the peak deceleration values at the occupant are much lower. Even in a side hit from another vehicle, the other vehicle's crumpling extends the impact duration and reduces the severity of the deceleration loads and minimizes cabin penetration.
So, was he doing 30 mph when he slid into a solid object from the side? I'd be willing to put money on it -- his injuries are perfectly consistent with 30. (Not to monetion that I expect we would have heard differently if the *witnessing* LEO saw it different).
$0.02 deposited.
Much more than 30 MPH and he would not have posted
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Aspen Colorado
Get well soon
Sorry to hear about your accident. Get well and then work on the wife for a new toy. Glad to hear that you will be ok. The acl surgery isn't too bad if you keep up with the rehab. It hurts, but you will bounce back faster if you tough it out.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 714
Likes: 251
From: Grand Island, Florida
I hope that you are well soon. I, too, realize what damage a low-speed collision can do to your body and the car as well. That black ice can really be very deceptive. I don't miss moving from the northeast where the winters can be sooooo long and certainly seldom can you drive the Vette during the winter months. Although we get some bad weather occasionally here in KY (can you say wicked ice storm), the winters don't last as long and are not severe.
Againm best wishes for a timely Vette replacement and for a speedy recovery!
Ron
Againm best wishes for a timely Vette replacement and for a speedy recovery!
Ron
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: Rye Brook, NY
Believe it or not I was not. The cop saw the whole thing and NEVER questioned me about speed. Point is, it was a violent hit and the damage is crazy. For all I ever did in that car, this is the accident I never dreamed of.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: Rye Brook, NY
I doubt it -- most folks have no appreciation for how much energy must be dissipated in a near-instantaneous stop at low speeds, and how short a time frame and crush distance to do it in.
A 30 mph impact at the door is far more severe than a 30 mph head-on hit, as there's virtually no crumple zone at the side. Basically, you have the hydroformed rail at the bottom, and the token side impact beam (which is no match for a telephone pole), and that's it -- no 6+ feet of front frame crumple/engine displacement to absorb the energy, and more importantly, to extend the collision duration so that the peak deceleration values at the occupant are much lower. Even in a side hit from another vehicle, the other vehicle's crumpling extends the impact duration and reduces the severity of the deceleration loads and minimizes cabin penetration.
So, was he doing 30 mph when he slid into a solid object from the side? I'd be willing to put money on it -- his injuries are perfectly consistent with 30. (Not to monetion that I expect we would have heard differently if the *witnessing* LEO saw it different).
$0.02 deposited.
A 30 mph impact at the door is far more severe than a 30 mph head-on hit, as there's virtually no crumple zone at the side. Basically, you have the hydroformed rail at the bottom, and the token side impact beam (which is no match for a telephone pole), and that's it -- no 6+ feet of front frame crumple/engine displacement to absorb the energy, and more importantly, to extend the collision duration so that the peak deceleration values at the occupant are much lower. Even in a side hit from another vehicle, the other vehicle's crumpling extends the impact duration and reduces the severity of the deceleration loads and minimizes cabin penetration.
So, was he doing 30 mph when he slid into a solid object from the side? I'd be willing to put money on it -- his injuries are perfectly consistent with 30. (Not to monetion that I expect we would have heard differently if the *witnessing* LEO saw it different).
$0.02 deposited.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Glad you are alright!
What is it with Corvettes and Telephone Poles?
I have seen some REALLY BAD Corvette wrecks where the driver just walked away, just goes to show that if you hit one just right it can be a disaster. I guess they don't run side impact telephone pole crash tests at GM?
What is it with Corvettes and Telephone Poles?
I have seen some REALLY BAD Corvette wrecks where the driver just walked away, just goes to show that if you hit one just right it can be a disaster. I guess they don't run side impact telephone pole crash tests at GM?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: Rye Brook, NY
Tried to buy it back, but too much damage. The PASSENGER door skin blew of the car on impact! Will post pics soon.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Man what a story. Sounds like 'you' almost got totalled.
Good that you're ard to talk abt it. You already visited hell so it's a free ride to heaven. Tell em pearl sent you.
Hang in there. You're more important than the vette.
Good that you're ard to talk abt it. You already visited hell so it's a free ride to heaven. Tell em pearl sent you.
Hang in there. You're more important than the vette.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
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Sorry to hear about the Vette, however glad to hear you are relatively OK. Remember, your 2-year old daughter needs her daddy more than she needs another Vette.
Get well, get your insruance finances in order and post some pics of your new Vette when you get it!
Get well, get your insruance finances in order and post some pics of your new Vette when you get it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Best wishes on a speedy recovery and dont let anybody give you any crap about the wreck...black ice can take out ANYBODY.I totaled a 98 C5 vert once that I had heavily modded and I KNOW its just a car but I was devistated by the loss.You HAVE to get another one!God bless.
