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:wink:
It seems to be a common problem that some drivers will slam on the brakes when they see a Roadster in their mirrors...
Mitrovic
Member
David, was this what happened to the poor Renault in front of us heading to Geneva?
Mercedes slammed the brakes
The article links to wreckedexotics (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/exotics2012apr02/2009-tesla-roadster-4303.shtml). Based on the comments there, it would appear that the Mercedes slammed on the brakes instead of the gas by accident. However, I don't know where those people got that information. In any case, I would think it would still be the Tesla's fault for following too closely and not being able to stop in time.
The article links to wreckedexotics (http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/exotics2012apr02/2009-tesla-roadster-4303.shtml). Based on the comments there, it would appear that the Mercedes slammed on the brakes instead of the gas by accident. However, I don't know where those people got that information. In any case, I would think it would still be the Tesla's fault for following too closely and not being able to stop in time.
strider
Active Member
Not to stray off topic, but the real problem is the Roadster's brakes don't get used enough. People need to take their cars out and do a few really hard stops REGULARLY. Otherwise the rotors get covered in crap and a bit corroded, and they don't work very well at all.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
Not to go further off topic, it seems to me that EV's would lend themselves to aluminum rotors. Less corrosion, lighter weight, and since they get used so little they wouldn't suffer from excessive wear the way they might on an ICE.
I wonder if it is really bad brakes or just too much tailgating. I routinely drive on busy highways here in NY and many cars seem to be about 1 car length behind me. If I accidentally slammed on the brakes, I am pretty sure I could cause accidents all day long regardless of the type of car that is tailgating me. I imagine things are the same in NJ.
The brake thing has been a recurring speculation, but not much more than that. Driving style might also be a factor. Would be interesting to see how Roadster accident statistics compare with other vehicles.
smorgasbord
Active Member
That looks more like the Mercedes backed up over the Tesla.
I don't believe that simply slamming even the low front Roadster into the car in front of you would cause that car to lift up and end up so far over the Roadster's hood. The Roadster's front is low, but not that low, and I just don't see the physics working out unless the Mercedes was literally backing up.
I don't believe that simply slamming even the low front Roadster into the car in front of you would cause that car to lift up and end up so far over the Roadster's hood. The Roadster's front is low, but not that low, and I just don't see the physics working out unless the Mercedes was literally backing up.
Looking at the picture that is on the New Jersey Turnpike probably just south of the Jersey City power plant area.
Forgive my ignorance but from a physics point of view, isn't it the same if the Tesla runs into the Mercedes or if the Mercedes backs into the Tesla?
smorgasbord
Active Member
No, if the Mercedes is moving, then the tires could catch on the front of the Tesla and literally drive up the hood. If the Mercedes is at a standstill, then the Roadster has to get it's nose under the midpoint of the tires and then somehow lift the Mercedes (which probably has its brakes on) up and onto the hood without actually doing that much damage to the front. It just doesn't look like it happened that way to me. It's a lot harder to lift a stationary car with a horizontally traveling car than it is to drive up over a stationary car. Or so I believe.
