I am picky when it comes to buying a car. I mostly buy for function and performance with "looks" coming in third. One day researched the best car to drive daily and have low maintenance with good performance and Honda CRV came onto my radar screen. It is just a well put together machine and one day...my rear tire came off at 85 mph
SPEEDING IN THE FASTEST LANE
I was speeding (yes I was) on my way to an appointment on the freeway in the fast lane of a toll road making great progress. My daily agenda was hanging off a clip board on the dash, my cell phone was plugged in, music playing and water bottle within reach and all was very well
SOME GUY LOST A TIRE
All of a sudden, I notice a tire pass me up. YES, a single car tire traveling at about 90 mph passes me up on my drivers side and I immediately not only take note, but actually say out loud..."some poor guy lost a tire..wow" and kept going.
MY GUT INTERRUPTS MY LIFE FOR AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE
I noticed something wasn't right that is very hard to put into words. I started feeling a deep heat source within my own body starting at the size of a marble and slowly growing to that of a football. The next thing I did was routinely check all my mirrors, people around me, where I was, my speed and gently, ever so gently put my foot on the brakes...just a tap
IT'S ME AND I AM IN TROUBLE HERE
The car dipped and jerked. Within a nano second, I knew I WAS THE POOR GUY THAT LOST THE TIRE. Adrenaline is a most amazing thing. It comes when you need it and sharpens you to crystal clarity. Instantly I knew my situation. I am on borrowed time....a count down to disaster
THE SITUATION IS PRESENTED
I am traveling over 85 mph far left lane with a vehicle missing a tire that if I brake, the car will go out of control. WHOA! I instantly knew not to brake which is going against the powerful desire to slow down and then finally stop. No, I knew that approach would kill me no problem. I decided to coast to a stop...
HONDA CRV...AMAZING THREE WHEELED CAR
Here is where I have to get up and applaud the Honda people in telling them that this car can run at 85 mph on three wheels no problem. I was actually amazed at the aero dynamics at play. Slowly, oh so slowly, my speed started to get less and less and traffic started to go faster as I slowed.
TAP ON...TAP OFF...
I then knew instinctively to gently, I mean like if you were stepping on rice paper, to tap the brakes and they responded with a tap on.... tap off... giving me more control. Steering held well and the car showed no signs of missing a tire or losing control. I was encouraged and high on my own life chemicals
YOUR LIFE DOES FLASH BEFORE YOU
As I approached the slower speeds, fear presented itself. I wondered if I would lose control when I hit 30-50 range. I knew the air flow was helping to stabilize my car and if I went slower, I would lose that stabilizing force spinning out of control and maybe even doing a rollover. I saw frightful, negative things, but didn't believe in what I saw, but just remained aware and in the moment
WE ARE COMING IN FOR A LANDING
Honda once again rules the day...with ever so slightly tapping, hands gripped on the wheel keeping the car straight, it started to slow to 60..50...40..30..and I was so happy but stiff and locked in to holding on to the wheel in a death grip checking all my mirrors and surroundings...20...15...then I braked it to a gentle stop. The car was sitting perfectly on three wheels and one car rim undamaged..... with no tire.
EPILOGUE:
Fast forward...I get to my next destination and I share what happened and right there and then I broke down sobbing releasing all that adrenaline, tension, and shock. The guy I am talking to says .."are you alright"? and I said, I am lucky to be alive.....
Honda CRV...highly recommended by me......and life goes on thank you
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