I Ran Over A Big Metal Ladder

Not a good couple of days for the Prius. Yesterday, I ran over something (not sure what) that flattened a tire within seconds. Called AAA and a nice guy in a big giant truck put on the, what I shall kindly call, bicycle spare tire. I sat in the driver's seat of the big giant truck with the AC going full blast while he lug nutted that thing on the Prius.

Then, on the treacherous way back to Fort Bend County on three grown up tires and one tricycle tire, I ran right over some darting, stupid raccoon/armadillo sized varmit in the dark near my house. The noise was gross, much less the thought of the blood and guts all over the stroller tire.

This morning I visited the Toyota dealer for a new (free) tire. Waited a little long, but the service guy sure was courteous.

Yay! All ready to "hit" the road.

What would your reaction be if you were traveling inbound on the SW Freeway (with your new tire). Say, 65 mph. Traffic on all sides. And, right in front of you is a very large metal ladder (same size as in photo but folded up). Right in your lane. And you know you are going to run right over it because you have no where to go. And then, yes, indeed it is under your Prius clanging violently.

Well, it's 1) scary. People can die from large metal ladders flying around on the highway. And, 2) you immediately freak out your car is severely damaged and 3) much, much cursing ensues.

I mean A LOT OF CUSS WORDS.

A trip back to the friendly Toyota folks revealed a clean bill of health for the poor 47.5 mpg Prius.

Back onto the highways and byways of Houston where a large metal thing flew right over the Prius on the South 610 Loop.

Hell of a day.