Hi,

I have been driving a mustang for last 4 years. Last month my brother got in a car accident in his mustang. He was driving around a turn on a road that had been recently tarred. His car skidded out and he hit a telephone poll on the driver side. My brother was unconcious for 7 days and nearly died. There was also 3 other guys involved in accident and everyone is too traumatized to remember the accident.

He is now being charged with "driving to endanger" and could face time in prison if found guilty. Having driven a mustang myself for over 4 years now, I think this is kind of a bull**** charge. I have had many experiences driving my mustang in wet conditions and have gone into a skid really easily. One time I just barely avoided going into oncoming traffic. Just 2 weeks ago, I went into skid going speed limit around a rotary and jammed my tire into a curb. It seems to me that the cause of my brother's accident was a combination of environment and the vehicle, and not my brother driving to fast or anything like that.

I guess I wanted to ask you mustang enthusiasts if you had any similar experiences in your mustang. Or if you knew of any technical data on the subject. Could help come his court appearance...

Much thanks
Todd

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles

But, this is the 4th Stang I've owned & so far so good regarding accident avoidance. Yep I've lost traction & skidded out more than a few times, but it has nothing to do with what the nameplate on the car says.. Traction has all to do with your tires, vehicle weight, vehicle power, and I guess in cornering traction the rear diff can also be involved. A limited slip diff can cause the rear end to kick out more easily on a wet road than an open diff.. Irregardless of whatever car you're driving you can "overpower" the road grip even if your driving the speed limit if the weather is bad. Stangs do have most of the modern advantages such as ABS & traction control although you shouldn't rely on those things to keep you safe.

 

steep gears and wide rear tires...i have ****ty traction in the rain to say the least

 

It wasn't the car's fault. It has more to do with the driver. There are limitations based on the design of the car, but it's up to the owner to know these limitations.

As an aside, though. The use of oil on roadways is a dangerous endeavour. It would be easier to drive on black ice most times. Your brother would be better off trying to fight for negligence on the part of the road maintenance department that anything. But, if he was carrying any amount of excessive speed, then that fight would be useless.

 

Get a lawyer, worth the $$$$$$.

 

I really dont like these threads but I'll put in my 2 cents. If you have decent tires and drive responsibly you'll never crash because of rain. I have never even slid the slightest bit in the rain with my Stang.

 

I slid in the rain in my cobra. I was driving sensibly, but like they said, the tires needed to be replaced. They were almost as low as drag slicks they were that bad. Didn't plan on driving it in the rain (nice that morning, rained like hell that night after working late). Thats what happened to me. Hope the best works out for your brother.

 

I am confused as to the case that is happenign in your brothers case

can he be charged with anything if the passengers of the car are not pressing charges or somtehing??

or can the state try to prosecute him?

im confused []

 

I agree 100%

 

there are a multitude of circumatances and scenarios that can result in an accident, and that is exactly what this sounds like, an accidebt, my best advice would be get a lawyer. Mustangs are known for the light tailends and hih hp, create very bad traction on wet or slick roads and easily can loose control. Tires are the best investment on these kind of cars for sure. I hope all works out for your brother and glad to hear he was able to fully recover.