Offset from Hell saved the VX ...

[tom4bren]

x2 (Thanx ZEUS for the shout-out). Glad to hear you're OK, Tom. Remember to keep a generous "cushion of space" in your future travels.

Thanks for the concern Riff but don't kick a feller when he's down. There was a generous "cushion of space".

The combination of ABS, large tires & the trailer all conspired against me. I'm not shifting blame. It's obvious that I was following too close if I couldn't stop in time but it was definitely a case where my stopping distance was far more than I estimated rather than "being up someone's butt".

Before I do any more towing, I'll definitely be looking to upgrade the braking system (it's still completely stock). I'll be looking to put on SS brake lines but I haven't decided yet about upgraded rotors. I'll certainly look into it though.

FYI, the ABS works. I was able to maintain control (at least while all 4 tires were on the ground). I didn't leave any rubber on the road. IMHO, the stopping distance should have been much less though.

This should be a message to all VX owners though. Take your VX to an empty parking lot or road with no traffic & LEARN your stopping distance. Don't guess. This is particularly important if you drive several different cars on a regular basis. If you are going to be towing with the VX, learn that stopping distance as well.

Pixes: Still working on that. It's an LG phone which is an SOB to synch to the 'puter. I don't have texting on that phone so that's not gonna work either. I'll stop by ATT on my way home & see if they have any ideas. I'll warn you ahead of time though that the quality is gonna be bad, it looks like sun glints really messed up the images.

[Riff Raff]

Thanks for the concern Riff but don't kick a feller when he's down. There was a generous "cushion of space".

Tom, I believe you've misinterpreted my comment. Like the rest of the forum; I have only love and respect for you and by no means meant an increase of "cushion of space" to be in a negative limelight, but only as a possible safety measure. Things can happen very quickly in congested traffic and your quick reaction time helped save your VX from possible permanent doom and it prevented the Air-Bag system from being deployed (which insurance companies often use to justify a "total loss"). Thank you for your additional explaination of possible causes that may have contributed to your accident. We all appreciate your helpful advice and will use it to make us all safer drivers. I'm sure you will take the necessary steps to improve your own VX to make it an even more worthy vehicle. Above all, we are most grateful that you weren't injured and are OK. VX's can be repaired, but humans are a bit more fragile critters. Luv 'ya, Tom.

[tom4bren]

Riff - I prolly came across more cross than I was, sorry 'bout that.

[tom4bren]

... this thread is not about you or me-- it is about our beloved Tom ...

Group hug!!!

All better now.

I love this family - care, concern, help & Entertainment