Long Trip Stats & Accident Report

[Bill K]

That was me! What are the odds!?! Everything's fine now. I was digging for change under the seat. That and all the cough syrup and vodka I drank didnt help either.

Originally Posted by AutoXer

I am the kind always interested in the stats of my cars, so here's what I got on my trip from SF to LA this last week.

2005 X5 3.0i - 18k miles, 5 passengers with luggage

Distance traveled - 380 miles
Miles per Gallon - 22.4 mpg
Speed - between 70-90 mph, averaging about 80-85 most of the way

But on the way back, I only got 21 mpg, don't know why except maybe the incline on the grapevine is steeper from LA to SF.

The X did real well considering I drove through couple of major storms. I love the seats in the car, did not get fatique at all with the lower lumbar support.

On the way down I5, saw an accident like right out of the movies. I was two cars behind this black mid size car, don't remember the model, but could be a Honda Accord or a BMW 3-series. I5 is a straight level freeway, two lanes on each side, separated by a 50 feet grass / plant median with no barriers.

We were traveling about 85 mph on the left lane. All of a sudden this car veers onto the median and I thought he decided to make a u-turn on the interstate! But he went straight on the median, all the way to the other side, then veer back towards our lane, all the while maintaining the 85 mph speed. Then I thought, what a clown!

He merged back onto traffic, we were all watching him obviously and gave him lots of room. He cuts across both lanes, went up the right bank, crosses over the right side median, flips on the roof, and then back on its wheels.

I think the guy must have had a heart attack and had his car on cruise control because I saw no brake lights whatsoever, and the car maintained speed.

I called 911 right away and hope that he was ok. But I have a feeling that he did not make it and felt bad the whole trip down. I wanted to pull over and help, but by the time he flipped, I was past him and others were slowing down to help.

I have never seen a car going that fast and flip before, just like the movie, and when it flipped, it look like it was going in slow motion.

Stay safe out there!