In part one, I discussed how my cars tend to turn into large magnets the day I pay them off. I mentioned a few accidents that I have been in....Here are some of the lessons that I learned.
I have been in no less than 6 accidents that involved deer, although I have never been the driver. My record is three, count 'em 3 "deer vrs the car" encounters in 2 weeks. First my mom hit a deer while I was in the front seat. The next day, my dad gave me another close look at using animals as a braking system. Then just over a week later, my best friend and I realized that should a deer NOT successfully jump over a car, he will land headfirst in the front seat. *BTW, I have never seen any animal say "Oh shit" before or since-but I think that deer did* Irregardless, even if the deer loses, you and your car will lose. Unless of course, you are in Texas. The deer there are so small that it does no damage. (HW hit a deer the size of a large dog)
I have learned from my father that hunting deer with a car is a very expensive proposition. He has personally killed 9 with three different cars in the last 10 years. Most cars don't last for more than 3 accidents. He claims 4 others but can't remember exact details. So being accident prone may be heredity...so my dad claims.
His favorite saying is "Drive paranoid. The other guy REALLY is out to get you."
I also learned that should the front axle of your Ford Festiva snap in half while driving 55 mph on the freeway.....your Dad will still blame you. And no, I didn't hit anything at the time.
I have learned that a Ford Festiva is small enough and light enough that a properly motivated football team can pick it up and put it back on the road. No tow truck needed. However damage sustained from that accident can cause things to go VERY wrong later on. *See previous note*
I have learned that in Texas if you rear end another car...EVEN IF they cut across 2 lanes of traffic and stop in the middle of the road...You are at fault.
I have learned that speeding always makes things worse.
I have learned that if you make a left turn and the little green arrow goes away AFTER you are already in the intersection, people will still try to hit you with a huge truck because they had "the right of way".
And last but not least, I have learned that if you are driving very carefully and someone else runs a red light, totals your car and does not have insurance....thier mommy can sue you for damages.