Friday, July 18, 2008

Smart Cars - Yea or Nay?

Have you guys seen these cars zooming around your cities/towns?
I saw one today on I-85, which is one of Atlanta's major freeways.

People drive like maniacs all throughout Atlanta, but especially on the freeways, including I-85. (It's a joke that 85 is the name of the freeway, and also the average speed..... this is actually true.) Atlanta drivers are also notoriously aggressive.

And, like most other places in America, a lot of people who live here still have big pick-up trucks and big SUV's that they bought back when gas was $1 or $1.50 a gallon. (My husband drives a big SUV - which gets 16 miles to the gallon!!! - we bought it when gas was selling for $1.40 a gallon..... of course we had NO CLUE what we'd be paying for gas now. Our monthly gas bill, for 2 vehicles, is now larger than our monthly car payment for his SUV. Insane.)

My point is.... although I really LIKE the idea of these Smart Cars, I just don't think I'd feel very safe in one. It kind of looks like a Kroger shopping cart, covered with plastic. Just not a lot between you and the outside world..... basically a small step up, safety-wise, from a motorcycle.

What do y'all think? Would you be willing to drive one in the city you live in? Including on the freeway? Would you feel safe?

8 comments:

Michele said...

NOPE! You could not pay me to drive one of 'em... well, maybe for the right price.. no but seriously... no. What a death trap. As you said, these things get hit by another vehicle you will die. Even if it is just around town for errands, blah blah blah... you get t-boned in an intersection and you can kiss your a$$ goodbye...
I can't believe the ministry of transportation approved these things!
I shake my head in disbelief everytime I see these things on the road... makes me sick to my stomach.
There ya go, my opinion. Hehe...
Have a great weekend!
~Michele~

Suzanne said...

the only way I would drive one, is if EVERYONE drove one. I would not feel safe at all. Might as well be on a skateboard.

HWHL said...

I agree with you girls. As much as I would like to save money on gas, my safety (and my family's safety) definitely has to come before $$.

I was literally scared for this man when I saw him on I-85 next to a tractor trailer, and all the other assorted traffic. :-(

Too much of a risk.

Gberger said...

I think they are adorable, and I would drive it on errands, as we live in a small town. Freeway or big city? Not unless the SUVs were off the road. I like driving an SUV, only because I can SEE what is going on around me on the road (and for Costco trips).

The Girl Next Door said...

Reminds me of the Yugo I have no idea what the safety ratings are of them, but I cannot imagine that they will protect you at even medium speeds, never mind high speeds if you get into an accident!

Unknown said...

No way!

Not with all the illegals who don't have licenses or insurance.

And not with all the drunks who shouldn't have licenses or insurance.

These are all the rage in Europe. Fits nicely on their narrow streets. But wouldn't take it near the Autobahn.

Happyone said...

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment on my blog.
I have seen a few of the smart cars around here in Marlyand.
The very first one I saw was a couple of years when we were on a walking vacation in Ireland.

Unknown said...

Yay! I want one. I was us to turn into France. I am sure many USAers are against me.