Re: Amazing Luck [Vintage Racing Accident Video]
First, as bad as it looks, the title of the clip says something to the effect, "...and only a broken collarbone!" Thank goodness for that!
I've looked at this clip several times today and analyzed how I might have reacted. You'll see why in a minute.
Did anyone else notice the "rookie" triangle on the rear of the incident vehicle flap up during the spin? If he'd straightened the front wheels, he'd have ended up backwards facing traffic -- while not good, that'd be far better than rolling, especially without the safety equipment we enjoy today.
As to the "swerving MG," it looks like he instinctively avoided hitting the car that was unexpectedly stopping directly in front of him. I'm thankful the driver of the swerving MG had the presence of mind to drive on through rather than lock his brakes and slide into the mishap vehicle.
He got through without hitting anyone or anything. While it looks wild and likely scared several folks, I compare it to landing an aircraft that is in distress. Any landing you can walk away from was a good one.
And I suppose a small disclaimer is in order. I've been in a situation coming out of hard right turn (restricted view ahead) only to find the left half of the track blocked and two other cars crashing together (fiberglass body pieces flying) just off the racing surface on driver's right. I had only an instant to decide how to miss the car blocking the track. Turn slightly left and go hard into a tire wall, or turn even further right hoping the tires held their grip. Or attempt to stop likely t-boning the other guy. Luckily the grip held as I turned further right.
What am I saying? I'm not second guessing the driver of the swerving MG. I wasn't in his shoes, or his head. I have been in a similar situation and reacted in a similar manner and I still think I'm a "normal" person.
I would be rather upset with the driver who stopped in front of me though apparently without checking to see if he could stop as he did and do it IN A SAFE MANNER.
Tim