Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Accident







On my way back home yesterday afternoon, I almost had a car accident. The road I have to take to go to work is crazy. It is very very scenic but people drive like maniacs on the road. They speed, speed, speed, and tail gate. It doesn't matter if you are in the right lane. They will tail gate you.

Anyways. I was driving in the right lane under speed limit. Minding my own business and nope I was not on the phone. In the left lane, some big pick up trucks and SUVs were zipping by. One big red SUV in the left lane was flying by when it lost control.

I am not exactly sure what happened. I think she was on her cell phone, trying to change her lane and then realized there was someone in her blind spot.

So she veered right on towards me.

I slammed my breaks.

She over corrected herself and went to her left. She missed me. By now, I was on the shoulder of the road.

There is a huge wide green patch between the two way traffic. Sorry I can't articulate today. She was speeding very fast and I don't think applying her breaks. Her car went on the shoulder and then through the grassy patch between the two roads and made a u turn. Right into the oncoming traffic.

I was sitting in my car, on the shoulder, completely stopped. My heart was not beating.

She finally stopped.

And then her SUV rolled over.

I was shaking.

The next thing I knew, all cars pulled over and everyone was running toward the SUV to help the woman.

Everyone was calling 911.

I put on my hazard sign on and ran towards the SUV. By now, there were about 10 people surrounding the SUV. Which was in the middle of the road. Upside down.

But the lady did come out.

I waited for a long long time. But there was nothing I could do. The cops came and then the ambulance. By now the crowd had thickened. Everyone wanted to help. I could barely see anything.

But the lady did not come out.

I stood on the side of the road shaking and praying.

I don't know what happened. All I know is that she zipped passed me and was talking on her cell phone. She was distracted.

What phone conversation can be worth so much?

I don't know what happened to her. She could be dead. Or she could have killed so many people.

For what?

I just don't understand.


8 comments:

mythopolis said...

I am so sorry to read this story, but I am glad you posted it. Just as a reminder of how fragile life is. I know it has shaken you up. My dad died in a car wreck when I was 19. Many years later I lost my wife in a wreck much as you described. Over- correcting in busy traffic she wound up in on-coming traffic on the other side of the medium. She was dead on impact. A sad day. She had just dropped her doctoral thesis off at Nortthern Illinois U in art history. She was a talented painter, and was awarded her doctorate posthumously. People hurry, hurry everywhere. I don't know what else to say. It is such a sad thing to think about. But it is good that you told this story.

Scriber's Web said...

Mythopolis,

My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry if this story brought sad memories. I am so so sorry! I shouldn't have mentioned this in the blog. I want to give my blog visitors happiness and joy. Not make them sad. I forgot that yesterday. Cannot apologize enough.

You wife must have been an amazing woman. So sorry for your loss. I would love to see her paintings if they ever are online.

Ballerina Girl said...

Wow, how sad...
I am grateful that your Angel was there to protect you. I hope that the lady is ok also. Sometimes we just don't realize something until the worst happens.
Let's pray she is safe with her family tonight...
BG

Maria's Space said...

Oh my God. I can't even imagine seeing this. I am glad to hear that you are fine. I will pray for that women. Crazy!

Jodi said...

SW - I am SO very sorry that you had to see that happen. It is just awful. I once saw a motorcycle accident. It was awful. The man got thrown in the air & his bike kept going sliding on its side down the road. Luckily the man survived but his leg and ankle were broken in several places and he had internal injuries.

Do you think it would be in the newspaper? So you can find out about the woman.

How very sad! But please don't apologize about posting this. People need to be made aware of how dangerous the roads are and how people must pay attention when driving. I live in a very busy state much like yours and everyone, even with hands-free laws are still talking on the phone holding it AND texting - TEXTING while driving. Plus the fact that everyone is driving like maniacs. I see so much on my long commute everyday. So many near-misses and close calls. It is like you take your life in your hands when you drive just to go to work.

Big hugs to you! And for your reader mythopolis...my heart breaks for you too. Life is just so fragile.

mythopolis said...

I think it is important for you to post such a story as this. We all need to be reminded of how fragile life is, and how easily one's world can be turned upside down. So no apology to me in this regard. While it made me sad, it also made me more thoughtful and appreciative of life. So it is a good thing that you posted this. So don't delete it. And please continue with giving readers your perspective on any given day, whether it be happy, sad, or even scary. In telling my story I was trying to relate to yours and even add to it's importance. Keep on bloggin'!!

Coffee Slut said...

omg ...that is awful! seeing something like that would shake me up for days.
Thank God you're ok.

Anonymous said...

That's a really terrifying thing to witness. It's hard to find any logic in something like this particularly when it seems like such a careless accident. Glad you were okay. Really it should serve as a reminder to exercise care and avoid unnecessary distractions on the road. I'm glad you share it.