Anyone on here stuff it into a Merc today?

[colin_p]

Looks like a Westfield / Caterham / Kit car oversteered, and kissed a Merc today in Maidenhead.

https://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/maide...

Hopefully nobody on here and hopefully no injuries.

[Mossy7]

What makes you think any oversteer is involved? Of note it's happened near a junction, that could have been as much a factor?

[HustleRussell]

Looks like a modern Duratec Caterham. Judging by the severity and location of the damage it looks like a 'SMIDSY' incident to me where the Mercedes driver didn't see the Caterham coming and pulled out from a side turning.

Injuries to the Caterham driver sound quite serious given the driver was unable to get out of the car under their own steam and the roll bar / cage have been cut off in order to extricate. Hopefully just injuries to the extremities.

Hopefully the driver quickly makes a full recovery.

This incident serves to remind us of the risks of not being seen during these grey winter days and how vulnerable you are in a Caterham compared to a modern production car. Without ABS it is very difficult to pull off an unexpected emergency stop in damp and cold conditions. It is so important to drive defensively and expect the worst at all times of other road users as you do on a bike.

[colin_p]

I've just re-visitied the link since I posted the OP and read the updates. At the time I posted the OP there was no mention of the seriousness of the accident other than the road was closed, which isn't unusual these days.

It seems that the driver of the Westy / 7 / Cateram driver is in a bad way and in critical care. I hope he recovers

I know that stretch of road very well and cannot work out or understand what or how that happened. It is quite far from any junction although there is a layby to the left and just a bit further up another layby on the right. Merc was doing a u-turn maybe?

Google maps link below for reference.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5183874,-0.76624...

[Toaster]

Phew, hope the driver in critical care will be OK side impacts are bad news, it is an example of the crumple zone is the car in front

[Skyedriver]

From the pic I thought the same SMIDSY as said above but apparently that isn't a side junction, it's a layby and U turns are a regular occurrance at this location (info from FB Caterham Group)

[colin_p]

Further update from the local newspaper.

https://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/maide...

The more I think about it the more I'd speculate that the merc came out of the layby straight across the path of the 7 as part of a u-turn manoeuvre.

I hope the 7 driver is recovering well.

[badger748]

That is what happened apparently - the Merc was doing an illegal u-turn - the Seven had nowhere to go other than into the side of the Merc.
The driver of the Seven is still seriously ill. I will post a proper update as and when permitted.

[kiethton]

Not good to hear that, hope he pulls through ok!

[colin_p]

Thanks Badger for the update.

Please send my condolences. I hope and wish him a speedy recovery.

[Skyedriver]

colin_p said:

Thanks Badger for the update.

Please send my condolences. I hope and wish him a speedy recovery.

May I echo those thoughts, it cannot be a pleasant experience driving down the road when you see something like happening in front of you and knowing what the outcome is going to be.
Lets hope his Christmas signals a full recovery

[Pdelamare]

Well this sucks. I wish the driver a full and speedy recovery.

[Turn7]

A justgiving page has been setup....

"Roger was working the day the accident happened, he was air lifted to hospital where he suffered severe head injuries and broke both his legs. We hope he recovers over the coming months but we not sure of the full outcome of his injuries yet. He will be in hospital for the months ahead."

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/luke-steve...

[Skyedriver]

If anyone on here knows him would they please tell him all at PH are thinking of him and wishing him a speedy recovery.

[baypond]

I was looking for a post about Limited Slip Diffs and came across this post. Thought I would donate and bring it back up to the top in case there is some good news, or anyone else wants to donate. I don't know the driver.