I am sad to report that my 91' Vanagon, Bread, has been wounded in action.

Long story short because it hurts to type. I was at a dead stop on a 2 lane
highway due to traffic. Looking in my rear view mirror I see a tan Ford van
closing in at driving speed. I could see the driver's eyes and they were not
on the road. The next minutes were foggy to me. I remember being hit from
behind. The police report states the driver who hit me was doing 40-45. After
that I remember the Rescue team taking me away on a body board and neck
brace,

The collision affected 2 vehicles in front of me. 1 SUV and a Honda sedan.
The SUV, I later found out was OK. The sedan, whose driver was next to me in
the ambulance, lost a few teeth and had some cuts and bruises. The police
report listed my van as the only "drivable" auto, even though I was the first
one hit and took most of the impact.

After being released I went to find my van. My colleague took me to the tow
yard. We found my van. I got the key, opened the door to try the engine. She
started right up. Now there is a lot of body damage but nothing that can't be
repaired. Something I noticed was the Van who hit me "crumpled" in the front
while my van "bent." I think the difference is in the materials and design.
All things being said.......my Van.......affectionately known as Bread, saved
my life.

I am now in a car I call "Speck." It is a rental Ill have for a few weeks
while all the insurance is being ironed out. I picked their brightest blue
they had so hopefully people will see me and not hit me. By the way, I live
and drive in the Miami Florida area. We have, arguably, the worst drivers in
the US. And (pardon me if your from north of the border) the Canadian
government ships all their bad drivers to us in big American cars to liven
our roads up.

Moral of the story. PLEASE, wear your seatbelt. If you do, the vanagon will
protect you too.

Thanks and safe driving.
Mike and Bread