Christina's Traffic Blog

This video shows just how fast the Smart Car can take off. The undersized auto accelerates like a jack rabbit because it's so light.   I really like that about this car, It can travel at speeds of 90mph+.  I still have some reservations about driving on the highway due to minor blindspot issues, but overall I have enjoyed this experience and really do like the Smart Car.  If you are a good driver you can handle this vehicle in any driving situation.

"SMARVETTE"

"SMARBORGHINI"

"SMORSCHE" . . . and the original picture that was photoshopped.

Feb 19, 2009

You may have seen these pictures of new model Smart Cars, unfortunately they are fakes. I will admit, I was pretty excited picturing myself cruising down Ocean Drive in a "Smarborghini."

February 11, 2009

Most of the time, driving around South Florida in the Smart Car is quite fun. People generally smile and wave at me while I'm behind the wheel, and since I am friendly myself, I will happily wave back. In a safe area, I'll even "toot toot" the horn as people pass by.Today, however,a dark cloud of uncertainty followed me around in the Smart Car. It was then that I had to question these friendly antics and replace them with an unnerving sense of doubt. A man in a truck pulled up along side me on the Palmetto and waved. I smiled and waved back as usual, but after that I just coundn't shake him. He proceeded to get behind me and followed me all the way to my exit. So, as you may imagine, I was hoping that we just so "happend" to be headed in the same direction. At this point my antenna went up and I became leary of the impending situation. While approaching the first stoplight on 8th St. I was able to zip around and he wound up stopped in front of me. Just when I thought I was out of the woods,he get's out of his car, walks over to me and taps on my driver's side window. Shakily I rolled it down and he told me in a friendly tone, that he was following me because it appeared as if my wheel was about to fall off and he wanted to fix it. I told him I would follow him, but when he turned, I just kept on going. This whole situation startled me to my core and although I wanted to, I did not trust him. As I continued driving I was on edge thinking there could be a a real problem with the tire. I decided to take a chance and cautiously made my way to a safe destination. When I arrived, I checked the tire, it was in perfect condition.

This woman likes the horn as much as I do.

February 10, 2009

Filled up with gas for the first time. Ten days into the test run, so not too bad considering that I drive all over South Florida on a weekly basis. So how much to fill 'er up? With an eight gallon tank, premium gas a must . . . $17.50. Pretty good when you consider the long term savings. So let's do the math. Of course, gas prices are always changing, but for argument sake, let's say gas prices are set at a fixed cost. At $17.50 per tank, re-fueling every ten days, I would spend an average of $638.75 per year on gas. Here's the breakdown: Since there are 365 days in a year I would have to fill up 36.5 times at an average price of $17.50 per tank. So 36.5 fillups x $17.50 per tank = $638.75 per year on gas. Now, let's try it with my 1994 V6 Lexus, which costs about $44.00 every ten days per tank. 36.5 x $44.00= $1606.00. Almost a $1000 savings in gas each year. Pretty amazing when you look at it like that! Guess it makes sense as to why these cars are so popular in Europe where in Paris, for instance, gas can get as expensive as $8.75 per gallon of regular.

February 7, 2009

Today I had an opportunity to do weather, live from Tropical Park with South Florida's "bravest." The 2nd Annual Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Expo was a blast. Of course I had to make an entrance, so I rolled into the park in the Smart Car, top dropped, with "Bad To The Bone" blaring out of the speakers. With heads already turned, mouths dropped when I parked on the highest hill in park. The car fit so perfectly perched on this hill that people were walking up to it as though it were it's own exhibit.

February 2, 2009

I took the Smart Car on the highway for the first time today; I-95 to be specific and it was a little nerve racking to say the least. Getting onto the highway was by far the scariest even though there was no congestion at the time. Cars were zoooming by me, even in the slow lane. Merging into the center lane was a breeze but the initial uncertainty of not knowing what to expect from this little convertible, had me on edge...especially at 60mph. When all was said and done, it was not that bad. Thankfully I arrived at my destination in one piece. At least I now know what it will feel like next time I'm on the highway.

Likes so far:

The car sits up high, so you are at eye level with trucks and have great windshield visibility.

Great gas mileage.

Beeping the horn is exhilirating because the sound suits the car so well.

I like seeing people smile and laugh so I must admit, the attention is fun.

Air conditioner, heater, stereo with MP3 capabilities, seat warmers and fog lights all work great.

The headlights are very bright and really give great night perspective.

Dislikes so far:

Blindspot issues. Not in the Smart Car itself, but the vehicle is so small that it's easy for others to miss you.

Engine is a three cylinder with a small transmission so as car is shifting gears it is noticeable at first.