Can you identify this metal piece/rod?

Hi Auto Forum,

Can you help me determine what this metal/rod piece is that must have come off of the bottom of my car (98 Buick LeSabre, 75K miles). I was backing out of my parking lot over some (I guess too much) snow. I scanned the metal piece, it just looks like a black rod with some rust on it. It is approx 11 inches long -- what could this be? I guess I'm wondering if it is safe to drive to an auto shop... Like if it is holding my oil pan(?) It is too dark for me to go out and look/inspect - and I don't have a clue about this stuff.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated, Thanks
Kathy

Here are the images... First a close-up of one end, then the full image.
http://aycu40.webshots.com/image/45039/2000831762389578723_rs.jpg

http://aycu18.webshots.com/image/47377/2000898375189614069_rs.jpg

that doesnt appear to me to be off a vehical.
stablizer rod came to mind first, but it is to long.
both ends appear to be rusted bad enough that it doesnt look like it just happened.
If it was in a snow bank, a plow probley pushed it up and you pulled it out.
Just my opinion

exhaust hanger for your front pipe by your converter

Looks like a nickel to me.

It appears to be a bit long for one of the welded-on exhaust hangers. Is the piece solid or tubular?

It does not appear to be a critical engine, transmission, brake, or steering part.

The original exhaust pipe on our 99 Bonneville had a piece that looked just like that. It was just a brace in the first bend after the resonator.

BTW - Does the correct guesser get the nickel?

Hope someone didn't cut a piece of your brake line. Kinda looks about the same thickness.

Thank you for your replies,The person/s who guessed 'the nickel' have won :)In describing a bit better - the piece is solid, not a tube... I guess that means it could not be a brake line.I described this to my brother before posting here, and he also suggested that it didn't fall off of my car. I would like to believe this, but the circumstantial details make me suspicious.So far, I am thinking (if it is safe to drive) I will take it to a muffler shop and have them do a look/over. Does this sound like a next step? I have a trip planned in a few days, and I was planning on getting the oil changed and tires checked, etc.Thanks again