A VERY sobering reminder

John316 · September 11, 2012, 07:05:39 PM

A friend sent us this story. It is a very sobering reminder to be very careful. I never stop to help/fix something unless I am VERY sure it is safe. I feel awful for him and pray for a good recovery and adaption to his new life. He is very blessed to be alive, thanks to the Lord and the good people that stopped.

Whenever you are outside of your vehicle on any road, you are taking your life into your own hands. I do not stop to help somebody change a tire unless they are well off the road, and my vehicle is quite a ways back. Even then it would only be ever so cautiously, and probably just call a tow.

http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-man-pinned-man-injured-in-crash-loses-legs-20120911,0,5241700.story

Be safe!

John

CrabbyMilton · September 12, 2012, 04:17:03 AM

Yes indeed. This happens all too often. There have been several police officers killed or seriously hurt over the years and now here in Wisconsin we have move over or slow down laws. Too little common sense out there.

RickB · September 12, 2012, 05:54:41 AM

In '98 I stopped to help a drunk driver who had crashed in the fast lane of a major highway. Got hit by a car as I was administering first aid to the passenger in his car. 3 months in the hospital,colostomy bag for two years,developed pneumonia and almost died.

Wrote a song about it that was honorable mention at the Golden Globes called "5 seconds from Elvis" that talked about finding your life and meaning through the curve balls life throws each of us from time to time.

It was the best/worst event of my life. I'm a better man, better husband, better dad because of that terrible evening but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

After the accident I was contacted by many organizations (Mothers against drunk drivers, Religious organizations etc) to do interviews about my experience, I was contacted by a group out of New York that sent me research they had done that estimated that 70-80% of traffic accidents involving stopped vehicles are caused by tailgating drivers. I have heard of one citation in my time here on earth where someone was cited for following too closely. It was the guy that hit me.

I slow down and pray for those accidents I come upon in the bus and in my car. I know how it feels to be in one of those major highway closing events.

Would I stop again? I have no idea.

Rick

sommersed · September 13, 2012, 09:39:35 AM

Yes, yes, yes. I wish all who could use my best wishes a speedy recovery.

But the fact is, it's probably more dangerous to be driving on the road, than get injured by stopping to lend assistance.

Ed

buswarrior · September 17, 2012, 10:03:48 PM

It's never been easy to help.

Side of the road is no different.

Do what's right, do what your beliefs guide you to do.

Sometimes that's to drive on,

but sometimes that's to put yourself in the way of danger that others might find relief.

Never regard a stop at the side of the road lightly.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

John316 · September 18, 2012, 07:16:18 AM

As other stated, one should be very careful stopping. If there is a wreck and nobody else is there, I always, and will continue to stop and help. But I always take that very seriously. Whatever I can do to stay safer, when stopped, I will do.

As BW says, it is something to take very seriously. As always, pay attention.

John

Oonrahnjay · September 18, 2012, 07:49:22 AM

Quote from: buswarrior on September 17, 2012, 10:03:48 PM(snip) Never regard a stop at the side of the road lightly.

I was watching one of those "cheap human drama" shows one time ("Unsolved Mysteries", 48-Hours Mystery, etc.) and they featured a theft ring that used a pretty woman stopped at the side of the road with the hood of the car up. When someone stopped to help, two guys who had been hidden would step out, shoot that person (in the head, if they could easily), throw the body in the woods, steal the dead person's car, and move down the road a few miles to try it again.

Yeah, never regard a stop at the side of the road lightly. (A guy I went to high school with is/was on the local VFD; a couple of years ago, the FD/rescue squad was called to a very serious accident on icy roads (unusual in my part of NC). As he was trying to help get an injured person out, another car skidded on the ice and hit the first wrecked car, trapping him in the door and the car body. Multiple fractures, but recovered pretty well after a while -- but definitely not good for anybody, especially a guy in his mid-60's.)

John316 · September 18, 2012, 08:07:15 AM

Yup, when it comes to minor breakdowns and that type of thing, I rarely stop. If I am in my truck I might drive up next to them (in the grass) and ask if they have a tow truck on the way.

As always, be alert and careful.

Stormcloud · September 18, 2012, 08:07:42 AM

I will stop for a wreck if no one else has already, but not for someone on the side of the road with vehicle problems (unless they are in danger of freezing).
Never have stopped for a hitch-hiker.

Most people carry cel phones now, so little need to stop (again, unless they are in danger of freezing).

My grandkids would never forgive me if I fell victim to a road-side hoax.