I'm in the middle of one of my bi-annual continental outings in the motorhome.
All going relatively swimmingly, with mixed weather but generally good afternoons.
Today, heading South I crossed a narrowish (no width restriction and nearly two lanes wide) girder bridge over the Dordogne. Waited until it was clear the other way, and got halfway across before a black Audi SUV entered from the other end at speed.
Went as far right as possible (easy to judge in a RHD vehicle) and slowed right down. He/she came past at speed and took out the door mirror. I stopped on the bridge initially, and then again just off, but the Audi disappeared.
Ironically one of the perceived advantages of this motorhome is that it has neither the long-arm or medium-arm mirrors, but the standard van ones which protrude very little. Slotting the mirror back in place indicated it was still functional. So after a short delay on we went.
Once we were pitched up I ran the dash cam footage, which showed me at 15mph, and the Audi not close to the kerb, and not slowing. More surprisingly, after cursing French driving, it was apparent that it was a UK registered Audi! (with a 'personal' number).
Whilst it functions, the mirror is essentially borked (cracked) and it's going to be an expensive replacement (two adjustable sections, heated and with FM, DAB, and GPS aerial embedded.)
If I source one (they're different design this year) I can fit myself, but I'm miffed.
Please forgive me for hoping the Audi mirror is destroyed (and even more expensive). I've archived the footage, but there's not much prospect of pursuing anything. (The evidence of the impact indicates barely an inch between bodywork, let alone mirrors)
|