I have an exhaust leak right where the intermidiate pipe connects to the muffler. Well, its not so much a leak as there is a 1/2 inch gap between the pipe and the muffler.

My question is, is it safe to drive the car like this as far as exhaust gases getting into the passanger area of car. This car is my beater so if I don't have to put money into it I don't want to, but if there is potential for exhaust gases to get into the passanger compartment and hurt me or my passangers I will get it fixed. What do you think?