My Car Takes All the Abuse

My mother has gotten into the habit of backing her big CR-V into the driveway. This is fine, except that my little Saturn also has to occupy the driveway. We usually marvel at how close she can back up without actually hitting my car. I'm certain it's been lightly tagged a few times.

Yesterday, I drove Hedwig up the driveway and my mother backed in like she normally does behind me. I opened my trunk to get my work bags out, and opened my door. Halfway out of the car, there was a jolt and a strange crunching sound. Mom backed her spare tire right thoroughly into my licence plate. Thanks, mom.

I'm ok, and the trunk still closed, but it's no longer flush with the sides of the car when closed. I haven't tried to open it yet. People need to stop hitting my car! And I need to listen to my instincts more. As I was driving up, I thought "what if mom hits my trunk while it's open?" Then I thought, "nah, she's been good about not hitting me when she does that. And she'll be extra careful since I'm still in the car." Shows what I know.