1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I thought that I would update all on the crash outcome has of 12/6 2003.
The Saab driver was a woman, my wife. Her injuries are: fracture of the right medial malleolus, extreme bruising of the right chest wall, other assorted bruises. Her high speed de-accelerative injury (fluid in the pericardium found by echocardiogram) has not be noted on follow up echoes. Interesting enough she does not have one cut or scratch. She had a small hematoma on the rear of her head.
We know that the Honda Accord driver had a blood alcohol of .250 and tested positive for cocaine. It took several days to find out his true identity as he had several IDs. He had driver’s licensees under two different names, both of them suspended. He was arrested after being released from the hospital. It appears he has no insurance. He was quoted by police in the hospital saying he was trying to change a CD and lost control. He stated he was only going the speed limit (70 MPH). That statement was in the newspapers and a witness called the police and said that the vehicle had entered the highway about 2 miles before the final crash. The witness stated that the Honda was at a high rate of speed and hit a guard rail on the divers door. Another witness clocked the Honda at 85 plus.
The accident happened at about 5:00 PM, roads were dry, skies were clear, and the road surface had been replaced 3 months earlier. The highway is not an I Interstate highway but a U.S. Limited access highway. The median is very narrow with no barrier. The Honda had been modified with after market wheels and tires.
While the Saab did a great job of absorbing the energy produced we have a couple of concerns. The foot wells on both sides essentially disappeared. The failing foot well on the drivers side caused the drivers seat to rotate in such a manner as to bring the driver’s head close to the steering wheel. I expected the engine to rotate UNDER the foot wells as opposed to crushing them.
As you can see in the photos the lower center console came apart allowing the heater controls to explode into the passenger compartment. This 9-3 had had the heater control system repaired by dealers on more than one occasion. It appears that some of the fasteners were not put back on re assembly. The remaining fasteners then had to carry a load larger than designed and as a result failed, allowing components to fly free into the passenger compartment.
At this point we will probably replace the Saab with a different make of vehicle because of the complete lack of interest on Saab or the dealer to note this failure. I have had conversations with Saab’s customer service line and to the dealership management with no action on either of their parts. While we admit that the center console failure didn’t cause any injuries in this accident, the problem should be addressed. We have offered the car to both GM and the dealership for examination. Both refused, both suggested we contact an outside engineering firm if we wanted answers.
These actions have created a situation that went from a relatively positive outcome to one of switching brands. I have a long history with Saab when it was not related with GM, it is disappointing to have to leave. The car is only as good as the dealership that repairs it. If Saab fails to police the work of its dealers then they will find that what ever was engineered is compromised in the field which will lead to more failures.
posted by 24.247.3...
http://www.lifesupport.com/saab
, Fri, 9 Apr 2004 23:05:19
, Fri, 5 Dec 2003 20:19:28
, Wed, 3 Dec 2003 15:20:52, Wed, 3 Dec 2003 16:04:00
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