: Crash Test--Peugeot 505 Front Damage
Skip Flem (nt1g@bitwise.net)
Tue, 06 Jul 1999 15:39:31 -0400
One of the big problems in rear ending another vehicle is NOSE-DIVING.
Several different factors contribute to this; such as the center of gravity
moving forward. Consider a chain accident. Everyone breaking to the
limits of their tires; rear bumpers are 15 cm (6 ") higher and the fronts do
the same, but in the other direction. Lowered Grilles and radiators vs.
raised rear bumpers. I vote for the rear bumpers...
There's almost a certain point that letting your foot OFF the brake before
impact will lessen the damage to your car (as long as you're the one in the
back...) since the bumper heights will match better.
In August '94 I was rear ended by a Lexus ls-400 with NO damage to my
'86 505 S or to me... He smashed his grill, headlights and radiator/condenser.
It was a very HOT August day and I wasn't willing to hang around. Oh, yes...
Mr. Lexus had an airbag hanging from his steering wheel and NO AC...
in the hot sun of Storrow Drive...
Skip Flem '87 505 STX
Hull, Massachusetts