Crash!
Well, it had to happen sooner or later, I suppose. I had my first car crash last night (22/12/04) - though it was not my fault!
Had been out with Tom and Craig, before they went home for the holidays. Had dropped off Craig at Uni, and was on my way to drop off Tom on Newport Road, Cardiff.
On Crwys Road, as any local will know, there are a lot of traffic lights. I was slowing down from about 30mph for the red lights, when me and Tom heard screeching behind us. Before we had chance to look round, we felt a thump, and we were shunted forwards.
We stopped, and looked around, to see the car who had hit us reversing, and proceeding to drive away.
Luckily, Tom managed to get he registration of the Blue G-reg Astra Convertible with 3 young white male occupants, as they were making their getaway. We pulled over to the side of the road, and a blokey came running over to see if we were OK, and told us the car, before coming to a halt in my back bumper, was doing about 60mph (in the 30 zone).
I phoned the Police, and was put through to the Blackburn operator (as you would expect, for the Cardiff area...). Gave all the details, including the reg of the car that hit us to the operator, who said that the police would be out soon. Especially when I told her that the other car hadn't stopped.
Tried to phone home, but Laura was on the net. Bloody typical! Mam's mobile was off as well, so I rung Laura's mobile and told her to get off the net. She duly obliged, and I rang the house to tell Mam what had happened. After assuring her that both me and Tom were OK, I think someone in the house managed to prise the phone off her. I then went out and inspected the damage. It wasn't as bad as I had thought - from what I could see at 10pm on a December's night with a weak torch, it was only minor cosmetic damage.
A Police riot van arrived within five minutes of my calling 999, which I must say, I was suprised at. Not only were there 3 officers to investigate the crash, but it was a quick response.
The sergeant interviewed Tom for his version of the story, while I was interviewed by one of the female officers. The other woman was called to a stolen scooter at Domino's, just up the road from where we were. Both of us (me and Tom) were interviewed quite quickly, although they managed to get all the details we could think of. The sergeant then took a quick look at my car, and agreed with me that it looked like minor cosmetic damage - basically, the back bumper needed a coat of paint was our conclusion at that point. I was then asked to produce my documents.
After checking we were both OK, and the car was in a road-worthy condition for me to drive home (which it was), they sent us on our way, assuring me they would contact me after they had followed up the Gwent-registered Astra.
Dropped off Tom, and he made a joke that his parents would have a suprise when he tells them he's been in another car crash ;-). Then I made my way home.
Fast forward to this morning (23/12/04). Get up 9:30am, after having difficulty getting to sleep last night. I feel alright (no injuries yet apparent, although if they manage to trace the owner, and he is insured, I may develop whiplash), and incase I thought it was a dream, I have the 'producer' to remind me it wasn't.
After breakfast, I venture out to inspect the damage in daylight. It could have been a lot worse. It appears the bumper took the bump, and even managed to spring back out (not something most bumpers do, mine must have been in a good mood when it was hit ;-) ). Went back in, and got the camera, for both posterity and evidence.
From this view, the damage doesn't look too bad.
(Click for a bigger view)
From this closer view, you can see stress marks where the bumper has been pushed in, and popped back out. You can also see scratch marks in the paintwork, along with some of the Astra's blue paint.
(Click for a bigger version)
From this view, you can see some more stress marks
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From this view, you can see some of the nice blue paint left by the Astra on the scuff marks.
(Click for a bigger version)
There was also a bit of blue paint on the exhaust, which led me and dad to think there may be damage to that. However, I took the car down the yard, and took a back wheel off so I could see better, and we found that the exhaust is fine. So, while I was down the yard, with one wheel off, and the jack to hand, I finally got round to changing my alloys for a better set from the yard. And I gave the car a mini-service. :-D
So, moral of the story is, always get the reg of any car that hits you (Karen...), and report it to the police. I'm guessing the driver of the astra wasn't insured, by the way he sped off and tried to cover his face as he went past us. Twat.
I'm going to leave you with a quote from that great philosipher, Tom Parsons:
At least no-one was hurt. You can replace bits of cars, or even whole cars, but not a human life
And I agree.
And finally, thanks to the two blokes who came over and checked we were OK, and gave their names and addresses as witnesses. I haven't got them now, the Police have, otherwise I would mention your names.
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