got into an accident with the c55..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
They tell you follow 3 car lenghts behind anyone -- which is why if you hit anyone from behind, its generally your fault. Also, and I learned this in traffic school, 80% of drivers underestimate what exactly the distance is of 3 car lengths.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Manassas, VA, USA
2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Three car lengths is not nearly enough room to react and stop. You should be following at a minimum of three seconds behind the car in front of you. At 35 mph that's about eight car lengths. At 60 mph, it's about fourteen! Back when I took driver's ed, when cars still had four wheel drums, they taught four seconds. With today's cars and braking systems, three seconds is very realistic as long as you're paying attention. Following too closely is a major cause of collisions, and one of my biggest pet peeves with a lot of drivers. So forgive me if I sound like I'm lecturing.
For more info on computing a safe following distance:
Click here
For more info on computing a safe following distance:
Click here
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
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That's nasty, but why even have insurance if you're not going to use it. Especially on a big noise like this one? In Illinois, if you rear-end anyone it's your fault, period. I'd pay the premium add for 3-4 years or whatever they assess and move on. If the other driver "develops" something medical you will want your insurance company involved. Lesson learned...keep your distance.
ON PROBATION
Joined: Jun 2005
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You've got alot of valid opininions expressed here....
Use your insurance.
Learn a lesson.
Don't follow too closely.
Pay attention.
And I'll add this one: Rapid Eye Movement.
When you are going though an intersection, changing lanes, merging into traffic, travelling down a road with high likelihood of animals or kids or pedestrians suddenly coming out onto the raod in front of you - you have to use more rapid eye movement and scan repeatedly and quickly the entire area that you are (or should be) concerned with, quickly scanning or checking back and forth to make sure that you are able to see something as quickly as it may appear. Anytime you are in one of these situations, if your eyes are fixed on one thing or one spot for more than a second or two - you're not utilizing Rapid Eye Movement - an object has enough time to come into (or stop in) your vehicle's path...which can get you in trouble.
I am glad for you that you now have an opportunity to learn from this occurrance. Although unpleasant, it sure beats the heck out of the unpleasantness of a serious injury accident or resultant fatality....
Use your insurance.
Learn a lesson.
Don't follow too closely.
Pay attention.
And I'll add this one: Rapid Eye Movement.
When you are going though an intersection, changing lanes, merging into traffic, travelling down a road with high likelihood of animals or kids or pedestrians suddenly coming out onto the raod in front of you - you have to use more rapid eye movement and scan repeatedly and quickly the entire area that you are (or should be) concerned with, quickly scanning or checking back and forth to make sure that you are able to see something as quickly as it may appear. Anytime you are in one of these situations, if your eyes are fixed on one thing or one spot for more than a second or two - you're not utilizing Rapid Eye Movement - an object has enough time to come into (or stop in) your vehicle's path...which can get you in trouble.
I am glad for you that you now have an opportunity to learn from this occurrance. Although unpleasant, it sure beats the heck out of the unpleasantness of a serious injury accident or resultant fatality....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I think the real question that no one has asked yet is....why do you have a "new car scent" tree air freshener hanging from your rear view mirror?
Dude...its a new car...does it already stink that bad in there?
Dude...its a new car...does it already stink that bad in there?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
Originally Posted by ClayJ
And I'll add this one: Rapid Eye Movement.
When you are going though an intersection, changing lanes, merging into traffic, travelling down a road with high likelihood of animals or kids or pedestrians suddenly coming out onto the raod in front of you - you have to use more rapid eye movement and scan repeatedly and quickly the entire area that you are (or should be) concerned with, quickly scanning or checking back and forth to make sure that you are able to see something as quickly as it may appear. Anytime you are in one of these situations, if your eyes are fixed on one thing or one spot for more than a second or two - you're not utilizing Rapid Eye Movement - an object has enough time to come into (or stop in) your vehicle's path...which can get you in trouble.
When you are going though an intersection, changing lanes, merging into traffic, travelling down a road with high likelihood of animals or kids or pedestrians suddenly coming out onto the raod in front of you - you have to use more rapid eye movement and scan repeatedly and quickly the entire area that you are (or should be) concerned with, quickly scanning or checking back and forth to make sure that you are able to see something as quickly as it may appear. Anytime you are in one of these situations, if your eyes are fixed on one thing or one spot for more than a second or two - you're not utilizing Rapid Eye Movement - an object has enough time to come into (or stop in) your vehicle's path...which can get you in trouble.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 33
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C55 AMG
quick question..if i DO use insurance (i'm only paying 1200 a year i think for coverage for my car), will the rates increase for 3-4 years, and then decrease down to my original rate later, or will it stay at this fixed new rate for more than the 4 years?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 468
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From: NYC
BLACK 05 C230SS
I just want to mention that you are so lucky at 19 years of age you are driving a C55. I was driving a Toyota Tercel at that age and still learning thru experience to drive. It took me 10+ years to afford only a C230. Sheesh! 
Anyhow, you rate usually doesn't drop that drastically after the 5 year mark when your accident clears I know in my state(NY). You need to switch another insurance company to benefit and do the usual Drivers Defense Course and have a clear record for the 5 years and also be insured consistantly for the 5 years.
Anyhow, you rate usually doesn't drop that drastically after the 5 year mark when your accident clears I know in my state(NY). You need to switch another insurance company to benefit and do the usual Drivers Defense Course and have a clear record for the 5 years and also be insured consistantly for the 5 years.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by razer8724
anyone else know about the insurance rates?
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 87
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From: Montclair,N.J.
06 CLS55
Originally Posted by FazTaz
Sorry to hear about the accident. Your not the guy who is parked in front of Absolutely Fish by any chance are you?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by Birdie
If your around West Covina area, PM me I can recommend you to a good body shop around 626 that specialize in MB. We usually recommend all our clients to them for any body damaged repairs.
