These cars have to be, by far the safest car in the world. I rolled my 96 960 down a 70+ foot cliff. The only problem I have is my wrist is messed up. I actually messed it up after the accident when releasing my seat belt. The car landed on its roof. I had a few bumps on my head but other than that I am fine. I now consider all the money I put into fixing this car as money I put into an insurance policy that I would come out alive in the even of an accident. I have pictures of the accident on my website

My wrist still hurts so check my posting in the RWD forum on details of the accident
http://www.brickboard.com/OPINIONS/index.htm?id=593121


Pictures of the accident
http://www.geocities.com/bad_boy_entertainment_2000/techie.html

Just curious. What was the condition of each of the four occupants seats. Any intrusion into the head or leg areas? Did you notice if your seat belt pretensioners activated?

My pre tensioner did tighten becuase I heard what sounded like a gunshot. Three of the occupant seats were fine. No intrusion to any of the head area for all four spots. The rear passanger side spot might have caused some damage to feet if there was a large adult there. That was where the majority of the impact was. But everything held up. No air bags went off.

Brandon:
I am so sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you weren't hurt.

Couldn't get the pics last night or tonight (website down). Hope to look at them.

Mike Brown
Greenville, NC
1996 965 92K
1986 244 132K

Thanks for sharing your story and its great to hear you're ok. I showed my parents the pics of your accident and they were amazed. My parents were hesitant when I was looking at Volvos for my first car, they thought 4800 for my 850 was too much for a kid to pay for their first car, but my dad said that if I could survive an accident like that its justified. Best of luck, and hope you buy another Volvo.
--
Matt in MA, '93 850 GLT

Glad to see you made it out of that one! This is why so many of us would rather put our wives and kids in Volvos than damn near anything else.

I just looked at the pictures of your car.. yikes. It's a good thing you're okay, weren't speeding, wearing your seatbelt, etc... and perhaps you can gain something positive from this experience.. like:

* Buy another Volvo (duh).

* Take a defensive driving class. Perhaps this accident couldn't be avoided, but sharpening your skills couldn't hurt.

* Maybe carry a center punch in the car. There was a thread about this a while back on the sbricks list. Having something available to shatter the side glass and aid in your escape can be a lifesaver. Luckily you didn't land in too much water.

About two weeks ago, a local woman drove her 84 245 off of California Highway 1 into a body of water. She died after being taken off of life support four days later. Pictures of the car made it seem as if minimal damage was done to the structure, and I believe she was wearing a seat belt. She was under water for at least an hour.

Thank you for reminding me why I drive Volvos, and why I strongly encourage my friends to do the same (and have convinced two of them to buy Volvos).

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo

Glad you are OK, Brandon. I read the story on the other board. Geocities had temporarily shut down your pictures, though.

You confirmed why I bought my 95 960. I wanted a safe car for my 16 year old daughter to learn to drive in and take to school. I have no desire to put her in some cheap little econobox. As long as I am paying for the car it will be a Volvo or Mercedes.

that car is a Great choice.

Brandon 96 960 103000 mi (RIP you saved my life)
It FEELS GOOD TO BE ALIVE

When I read the title to your post I thought Oh No. But now that I see your pictures I say Oh Yes. Had you been in just about any other vehicle you would be pushin' daisies. Glad you are still with us.
don 97 965

WOW!!! I'm amazed you're still alive after seeing pictures like that! Glad to hear you're safe though! Being a fellow 960 owner, those pictures nearly brought a tear to my eye. Makes me truly appreciate the fact that I'm in one of the safest cars in the world. Best of luck in finding a replacement.

-Greg

Brandon - I'm glad you're ok. We all are.