Be careful out there!

[65 Cobra Dude]

A good friend of mine got in a wreck a few days ago. He was driving peacefully on his way to my house when a white Dodge pickup was driving behind him changing lanes with out turn signals and cutting people off. He cut right in front of this car which caused the driver to move to the left, hit the turn lane curb and bounce back into the white Dodge and some poor unsuspecting person in a dark Honda just driving along normally. All 3 cars went into the ditch. The roadster hit the gully and flipped over on her roof. The witnesses (friends of the white Dodge) said he was trying to pass the white Dodge in the left turn lane but the roadster's on board video showed the truth. He's ok with some staples in his head but it could have been much worse. The drivers roll bar and 5 point safety harness saved him from more damage to himself or worse. Kudos to FFR for making such a strong frame and roll bar. The car looked much like Mark Smith's flip at Run and Gun in St Louis many years ago. The car was totaled by his insurance company and he is contemplating buying it back and building a FFR 289 with the drivetrain in this car. We cut the body off today and looked closely at the underpinnings. There are some issues with the control arms and the frame but he's alive? More to come.

Be safe out there,

Henry

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[David Hodgkins]

Thank God he’s ok!

Lots of take-offs for the rebuild. That must have been scary!!

[BRRT]

Glad the driver will heal. Heartbreaking about his car.

[sasteel43]

Wow! Is that Mark Burger's car?

[rthomas98]

Wow, glad he is alright despite what happened. Do you know what kind of device he used for the onboard camera? Sounds like my next investement.

[Nigel Allen]

Oh no. I am glad Mark is ok. This is just an awful outcome for you both. So much effort was put into this car to get it sorted to the stunning example that it was. Just heartbreaking. I had corresponded with Mark a few times (my wiring loom ended up in this car) He is a really nice guy and I am saddened this has happened. Wishing Mark a full recovery and the best of luck to you both, moving ahead.

Nige

[Higgybulin]

Wow! Herny, was that on Burnt Store Road? Looks like right by my place. Glad he is good, a car can be replaced.
Higgy

[65 Cobra Dude]

Higgy, fairly close. It was in Port Charlotte on 776 and Toledo Blade on his way to my place.

Henry

[Al_C]

Get well soon, Mark! This could have been really tragic, but it sounds like you dodged a bullet. It's a wake up call to us all.

[J R Jones]

This is an opportunity to point out that multi-lane discipline is fast moving cars should be on the left, slower cars on the right.
April FL traffic law:
Statute 316.081 requires driving on the right side of the roadway unless trying to pass another vehicle. Knowingly staying in the left lane when a faster vehicle is looking to pass could get you a ticket. Apr 8, 2024

Passing on the right is dangerous and cutting off other cars invites incidents like this.
jim

[ProfessorB]

Also, a word of warning about "high speed passes" which is not about passing at high speed.......it's a pass where there is a high DIFFERENCE in the speed between the two vehicles.

[CaptB]

Glad they are ok, hope the other driver's have good insurance. It will be an expensive fix.

[mburger]

I've been procrastinating commenting on this post I will need to copy and paste this in the other groups as well.

I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and positive thoughts. It honestly does mean a lot to me.

This car was originally completed in 2002 and because the FFR paperwork is pre-major computer upgrade event, the records for the cobra that would become mine are long lost along with all the data prior to the upgrade. I point out when the car was completed but I don't know when the car was originally purchased but I can't thank Dave Smith and the engineers that worked back then to build a strong frame and while the next generations of FFR Cobras would continue to improve both in strength and safety for the driver, I am living proof to the strength of the original design and I am convinced saved my life. Also of extreme importance is that I always wear the five point harness. Always.

After the car came to rest after sliding upside down, I realized I was still here and still snug in the five point harness. I pulled the strap separating the Velcro and the harness popped open and I was able to squeeze out between the ground and drivers door in the space the rollbar left for me. when the EMT's arrived, they put me in the ambulance but sat there. They had already started stapling the top of my head together and they were checking for internal injuries that the EMT was convinced I must have. She then says we're waiting for the helicopter to land to take you to the local trauma center. I know all about adrenaline but from the time of the wreck to that point in time I felt absolutely no pain. Nothing. I knew my head was cut open based on the screams of those who looked my way lol, but I felt fine and I knew it wasn't adrenaline. As you can imagine the patient has no say in these matters so up up and away we went. they did a full body CT scan with and without contrast expecting to find lots of broken things but there was nothing. Not even a bruise anywhere. They put a couple more staples in my head and I was home later that afternoon still wondering what the hell just happened. There's a huge hole in the floor underneath the pedals which likely wouldn't be there with the added foot box protection of the newer cobra iterations. I have no idea where my feet were but they were still attached and working. 

The next couple of days were very difficult. Not because of my head injury and not because of my car being trashed but with the people I had to deal with like the tow yard for example. There were others as well but it just amazed me how rude , selfish, and just plain nasty to both me and my wife they were for no other reason that we were asking questions about what to do next. This is why when I read comments wishing me well it just reminds me that they're still more good out there than bad.

As Henry mentioned, I was on my way to his house where you can find me on most Saturdays. Immediately after the accident while sitting on the ground with my back up against the car trying to keep the blood off of my face, someone handed me my phone And I texted Henry a broken message that I was in an accident and of course I had to let him know I wasn't joking call my wife. From that moment forward Henry has been a godsend. He Continues to help see me through this doing all the things that good people do that no one sees going on behind the scenes. Thank you Henry! Also a thank you and shout out to Phil and Judy who happened to drive by the accident scene and recognizing my car turn around where Henry had been looking in the grass for any missing items. Even without knowing at that time what was going to happen with my car, Phil offered to come back out the next day and help anyway he could. This isn't the first time that I found myself in some need where Phil and Judy popped up out of nowhere to help. thank you both!

Finally, I've decided to buy back the car because it was a good deal and I'll use what I can on a new FFR. I'm thinking of doing a tribute to CSX3009. The Essex Wire "Ollie the Dragon"! I'm also considering the #50 car driven by Ken Miles winning the Canadian GT championship. I don't know the CSX number.

[GoDadGo]

Mark,

Thank God You Are Alive!
Your car can be replaced.
You Can't!

Steve

[mburger]

This is an opportunity to point out that multi-lane discipline is fast moving cars should be on the left, slower cars on the right.
April FL traffic law:
Statute 316.081 requires driving on the right side of the roadway unless trying to pass another vehicle. Knowingly staying in the left lane when a faster vehicle is looking to pass could get you a ticket. Apr 8, 2024

Passing on the right is dangerous and cutting off other cars invites incidents like this.
jim

While I agree with you 100%, the cops here simply don't care and can't be bothered to ticket anyone doing this. The number of vehicles that camp in the left lane, that never use a directional signal or pass on the right is huge. I know this is something not isolated to SW Florida. Combine these driving habits to I75 where speeds normally reach 85mph+ and it's a recipe for disaster.
You make all good points though.

[Al_C]

Thank you, Mark, for the update. I'm glad you're OK. And thank you to Henry, Phil and Judy, too! This is what our community is all about!

[Nigel Allen]

We've read or seen some horrible tragedies with these cars. So good to see a life saved in this crash. An excellent outcome, all things considered.

Nige

[rich grsc]

Mark, glad to know you're fine. I went through this last fall, your friends can make a world of difference at times like this. I'm putting mine back together now, you'll be able to do the same, thats what's important!

[Blitzboy54]

We've never met but I am really glad your ok. Absolute best wishes going forward and I genuinely look forward to seeing your next build.

[DW66]

Glad to hear your back in the game Mark. I'm also not surprised to hear that Henry was there for the rescue.Good luck to you both.

Dave

[Avalanche325]

I am so glad to hear that you are made it through.

Driving in this country is getting worse every year. Florida is terrible for left lane campers, no turn signals, and running red lights. When you pull up to an intersection, people don't have a clue what the right of way rules are.

Why the police can't be bothered enforcing the law is beyond me. I kind of thought it was their job.

[Jacob McCrea]

Glad to hear you are mostly OK Mark. This sure seems to prove the correctness of "all 5, all the time," among other things I could say. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

[OB6]

I don't know you Mark, but it's great to hear you're ok. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Papa]

Wow! I've been a lot less active here over the past few months, and just saw this thread today. I recognized the car and was very relieved to hear that you are still with us, Mark.

Dave

[JohnnyB]

Finally, I've decided to buy back the car because it was a good deal and I'll use what I can on a new FFR. I'm thinking of doing a tribute to CSX3009. The Essex Wire "Ollie the Dragon"! I'm also considering the #50 car driven by Ken Miles winning the Canadian GT championship. I don't know the CSX number.

Glad to hear you are still with us Mark and came out of this mostly okay. I hope you are feeling better soon!
It's nice to see you are able to make the most out of a bad situation and use some of the resurrected parts for a new car. My vote is for the #50 289 car.

[ydousurf]

Hi Mark, though I too do not know you, I am also grateful that as a member of the F5 Family, you are no doubt shook-up, but not seriously hurt or worse. I am also just really happy for your wife, family and friends. And speaking of such, I am also glad you were alone and didn’t have your wife or someone else in the the car at the time.

I know I always tell myself that if something should happen to me, I want to be alone. I can only imagine the crazy experience and everlasting memories that would last a lifetime having to go through that type of accident. I couldn’t tell if you had dual roll bars or not? I always wanted a single one for the nostalgia and replica feel, but went with duals just for the reason if something should happen where one ends upside down, it will be a wise decision to have installed both. Also, I’m glad to see that windshield held up pretty well too. I actually think that worries me the most.

And I also echo the praise to Factory Five and the engineers and the design of this Roadster chassis. I have always felt it was the best one on the market and this thread just proves that!

Anyway, all the best on your recovery and I’m glad you’re able to take on the challenge to rebuild, or build a new car with a new journey and purpose. All the best and may you never ever have to experience that again!

Doug

[mburger]

Hi Mark, though I too do not know you, I am also grateful that as a member of the F5 Family, you are no doubt shook-up, but not seriously hurt or worse. I am also just really happy for your wife, family and friends. And speaking of such, I am also glad you were alone and didn’t have your wife or someone else in the the car at the time.

I know I always tell myself that if something should happen to me, I want to be alone. I can only imagine the crazy experience and everlasting memories that would last a lifetime having to go through that type of accident. I couldn’t tell if you had dual roll bars or not? I always wanted a single one for the nostalgia and replica feel, but went with duals just for the reason if something should happen where one ends upside down, it will be a wise decision to have installed both. Also, I’m glad to see that windshield held up pretty well too. I actually think that worries me the most.

And I also echo the praise to Factory Five and the engineers and the design of this Roadster chassis. I have always felt it was the best one on the market and this thread just proves that!

Anyway, all the best on your recovery and I’m glad you’re able to take on the challenge to rebuild, or build a new car with a new journey and purpose. All the best and may you never ever have to experience that again!

Doug

I had only the driver side roll bar. The passenger likely would not have made it. Thankfully I was alone.
The windshield held up great.
I've certainly seen much worse wrecks, but I know how fortunate and blessed I am.

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

Now, onto the next FFR build! I still have places to go and things to do in my roadster!

[Al_C]

Now, onto the next FFR build! I still have places to go and things to do in my roadster!

Good for you, Mark!

[Rdone585]

Mark, I just noticed this. So glad you were able to "walk" away from this accident, and seem to be recovering well. Best wishes for you and your loved ones.

[cob427sc]

Glad to see you made it through such a terrible accident that was no fault of your own. I know Henry from back in his days in Massachusetts. A real stand up guy and not surprised that he has jumped in to help out. Also great to see that the chassis and especially the roll bar and belts did their job. Many times I have explained to onlookers who question the safety of " that plastic tub with the too big engine" and explain how much safer these cars can be then their Toyota. Best wishes in your recovering and looking forward to your new build!

[R. Button]

Mark,
OK, I think I'll install the driver side rollbar now! Plus use the 5 point harness! With all the damage to the car, and as you commented it's amazing that these cars can take a hit - or in your case an upside down slide - and still protect the driver. And like others have said, awesome you are physically ok!

Side note when I had a minor accident and the body needed to be replaced, the team at FFR did some checking. They determined that the Mark III bodies will fit and work well on a Mark I. And they were right! It worked out perfectly.

[UpNorth]

Mark,
I just read this thread. Wow! Very glad you got out of this!
I wish you the very best.

Francois

[ggunter]

So glad you're ok. Hope your new build is spectacular. Just the blink of an eye and your whole world changes instantly. I sometimes have free time at work (like now) and I watch a lot of you tube videos of "idiots on the road" and am horrified of how many idiots cause a wreck, and the poor guy who was out of the way and had nothing to do with it, gets sucked into the vortex of the accident and quite often become a tragic victim of some butt head driving like an idiot. While they are tragic and horrifying to watch they have changed my driving habits to be more aware of right hand lane flyers who come up the right lane usually 20-30mph or more than what the left lane is running and then start a basket weaving process in and out of all the lanes just missing the front quarters and rear quarters of cars they are cutting off to get two or three car lengths ahead of where they were. I probably shouldn't watch them as they have made me a bit paranoid. Maybe that's a good thing maybe not. Be careful out there. Common courtesy seems to be a thing of the past.....

[cob427sc]

I kept thinking about your accident and then started reviewing the FFR cars I have built over the years which have been in various accidents - luckily none with me driving. I have built 5 roadsters, a coupe, a GTM, an F818 and a 33 roadster. 4of the roadsters have been crashed at least once, the coupe was crashed by the delivery company in a walmart parking lot, the GTM crashed in Texas. All have been repaired as best I know which lends some support for the durability of the cars. Three of the cars were sold to individuals who probability had no right in driving this type of vehicle. The last roadster I built was purchased by someone local, who had never driven anything like this. After explaining how to drive and what to expect, I followed him for less than a mile where at the first intersection he punched the gas and completely spun 360 degrees. His neighbor tells me that for the last 5 years he rolls the car out of the garage and maintains it but never takes it out on the road!

[Alan_C]

Those statistics makes us understand why insuring one of these cars has gone up so much in the last few years. My MK4 only had 299 RWHP and very sticky tires, likely part of the reason I never crashed it. I was always respectful of what the car was capable of doing. I auto crossed the car a little bit and found while the go pedal can get you in trouble, so can the brake pedal. A missed braking point and added brake to compensate resulted in a quick 270 degree spin, an experience I will never forget.
Everyone not used to high performance road cars should find a way to explore the driving characteristics in a safe place. Knowing the limits first hand will go a long way to putting some sense in the owner. These cars have a reputation of biting when not respected, the reputation exists because they do. Then there are those occasions, as described here, when out of the blue some idiot comes along and totals your car.
When I built mine, my wife insisted if she were to ride in it, a passenger side rollbar was a must. Thank goodness I never had an issue, but her sensibility made it a safer car.