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Side-swiped by a foreign HGV - what can I replace my Saab 9-3 with?

Yesterday I had my only serious accident in 47 years. A foreign HGV side-swiped me on the M25, I lost control and hit the central barrier head-on, and was then hit by another van too. When the chaos ended, I opened the door, got out and walked away from the wreck. Hats off to the people at Saab who designed and built my beloved 2005 9-3 TiD Sportwagon, and how sad the company will probably be no more. And what on earth to buy to replace it?

Asked on 24 March 2012 by DH, Herne Bay

Answered by Honest John
First you have to think about why the foreign TIR side-swiped you. The most likely reason is that he could not see you. You should never drive in the blind spot of a left-hand drive HGV, you should always pass them as quickly as possible. If you cannot see the driver's face in his mirrors, he cannot see you. You should also anticipate his need to pull out and pass something in front of him.

Years ago I doorstepped Labour transport minister Stephen Ladyman with 30 emails from readers who had been side-swiped by left-hand drive HGVs. He then pushed the EC to legislate for blind spot elimination mirrors for HGVs. He also introduced Fresnel window lenses, given free to drivers of left-hand drive HGVs on landing in the UK, but HGV blind spots can never be completely eliminated. Now you need another car, and a Volvo V60 immediately springs to mind.
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