<html> <body> <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">The first thing I thought was, "what is that funny smell?"   Wim</blockquote> And did it turn out to be the airbag?   Meanwhile, we should begin to assemble a list of all the possible things that might have been on the seat next to you: lunch service animal computer open to pianotech list map vehicle's instruction manual: How to Stop - Pg 5-2 draft of article in progress "How to pitch raise without turning off engine" On an only slightly more serious note, as a long time driver in NYC and the greater northeast, subtle variations in regional and sub-regional driving behaviors are fascinating.  Years ago (meaning I don't know what the present reality is) it was against the law to pass on the right in Massachusetts. Drivers observed this law, so, if they came upon a recalcitrant vehicle in the left lane, going only, say, 62mph, they would come up behind, with lights on, like, real close.  I found it a very effective lesson.  Now-a-days, around here at least, everyone seems to drive in the middle or left lane, at whatever speed they want, while seemingly thoroughly engaged with something on the seat next to them, while talking, and texting.  On many roads, the right lane has become the passing lane.  What a world! David Skolnik Hastings on Hudson, NY At 12:35 PM 11/16/2012, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> <dl> <dd>Gotta ask though Wim, as you brought it up, what took your attention away? </dl>I honestly don't remember. I think I was looking at something on the car seat next to me. As a rule I try not to follow to close. I hate drivers who come up right behind me. Whenever possible I move over and let them get ahead of me.   There was a lot of traffic on the highway, and we were all going only about 15 - 20 mph. So it wasn't a hard hit, but enough to deploy the airbag.  The first thing I thought was, "what is that funny smell?"   Wim -----Original Message----- From: Terry Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> To: Mike Kurta <mkurta1@charter.net>; pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Fri, Nov 16, 2012 5:14 am Subject: Re: [pianotech] Accident Actually, for any given attention level, a rear-end collision always means that following too closely was a factor - if you can't stop, you are by definition too close. Glad to hear Wim is okay though. Gotta ask though Wim, as you brought it up, what took your attention away? Only one time did I ever rear end a car. It was on a residential street when a parked car that jumped out in front of me and stopped just as I was looking left at a very attractive young lady walking down the sidewalk Many years ago. Learned my lesson well. Now I never hit parked cars while looking at pretty women.......  ;-) Terry Farrell On Nov 16, 2012, at 6:56 AM, Mike Kurta wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">     Wim:  May I suggest that following too closely to the car ahead might have been a factor?     Mike Kurta, RPT     (yea, Crystal Lake) <dl> <dd>----- Original Message ----- <dd>From: <a href="mailto:tnrwim@aol.com">tnrwim@aol.com</a> <dd>To: <a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech</a> <dd>Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2012 11:53 PM <dd>Subject: [pianotech] Accident <dd>I just rear ended a car on the freeway. All I did was look away from the road for second and the car in front of me was on top of me. I slammed on the brakes but I hit it pretty hard.  Fortunately no one is hurt. But I have major damage to the front end of my car. <dd>Sent from my iPhone= </blockquote> </dl> No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - <a href="http://www.avg.com">www.avg.com</a> Version: 2013.0.2793 / Virus Database: 2629/5896 - Release Date: 11/15/12</blockquote></body> </html>