About two weeks ago, I took my STS off roading in the rain. It wasn't my idea, but hydroplaning was just the thing to do at the moment. So, long story short (or vise-versa):
I jumped on the interstate to head to an appointment. It had just started to rain and had been raining for about 8 minutes into my trip when it slacked off to a light drizzle. Everyone was still driving a little more slow and cautious as was I. I was in the passing lane and holding at about 70 MPH. For no apparent reason, I suddenly felt, actually I think I could more so see, my front end drifting left / counter-clockwise. I knew right away that this wasn't going to end up good. Reaction wise, I froze, of the millions of thoughts running through my mind, the most prevalent one was, there's nothing I can do: I brake, I'm screwed, I over steer I'm screwed, etc. So I locked myself into position, bracing myself up against the chair with both arms firmly locking the steering wheel while forcing myself up against the chair, including my head.
I should probably mention, the state had JUST added those safety wire-rope fences inside the interstate median... no more that a month ago. Because of this, and I am sure it plays a big factor why, I wasn't the least bit scared throughout. No life flashes before my eyes, no visions of family..... I think I'm capable of all of that, but was thoughts were.... here comes that fence, let's see what it's all about and I was also bummed out that this was going to be the complete detriment of my car. Yes, I was stressed about my car. Call it superficial or whatever, but I loved that car and knew between it and the fence I would be safe, but my car was in for a whole bunch of nastiness.
So, I can attest, the fence worked as it should! I ended up hitting it first with the front passengers side. I continued to spin around (not flip), but spin into the fence (like a slinky) as it slowed me down. Needless to say, and as if you haven't looked at the pictures already, it managed to tear up every single panel. Inside the car, I was completely unscathed. Not a bruise, not a scratch, not even a sore muscle. The inside cabin held it's form and showed no signs of indentation.... even where some larger impacts were. It's really quite amazing. I credit a great deal to the engineering of those safety fences as well as the quality, weight and craftsmanship of the STS. In hind sight, it could have been a great deal worst, either without the safety fences (hello to oncoming traffic) or in another vehicle. I do feel VERY fortunate and immediately got over the loss of the vehicle. I do wish it didn't have to happen, but for deep intuitive reasons, I feel it was better it happened then, like that, with nobody hurt. My tire treads were getting low, so it might have been inevitable at some point, in the rain, but maybe with my family in the car or somewhere without a safety fence..... so, everything for a reason.
I've tried to analyze and playback in my mind "what and why", but it mostly comes back to "if I was going to hydroplane, I was going to hydroplane". I do question the condition of the treads on my tires, which were low.... my negligence. I also wonder, the way it just decided to float off the road felt so unnatural and I guess unexpected but at the same time was very graceful and inevitable. Ironically, the car a little ways ahead of me suddenly swooped to the other lane in a way that caught my attention although they reason wasn't obvious, it just seemed it wasn't their time and place for that to happen. I also remotely wonder if I experienced any hydroplaning, and the "traction control" kicked in maybe even over-compensatingly corrected a particular tires rotation, so that when they found traction again, if even instantaniously, it sent me spinning? I'm not particularly ranting about the STS or even the experience, if anything, and by all means stay safe, but if you were to get into trouble in your STS, I can vouch for the level of security they provide.
Regardless, I learned some new things from this experience:
I've found out those wire-rope fences along the interstate are specifically made for "Caddy Flossing".
I also figured out the the "
STS" stands for "
Slick-
Track
Simulator".... and a very realistic one too!
Here's some before and after pics for your viewing pleasure (or horror).....
•*The before: 2005 STS V8, Mary-Kay promo-repaint, fully loaded:
• The after:
• Not the actual one, but a safety fence similar to this, and the one I hit was set further into the median, off of the road:
I'm currently waiting on the paperwork for my replacement car..... another STS!
P.S. I warned you about the "Dirty Pictures"
Serious dog is serious. 
