I Feel Badly About This. Mind-Blowing CC Update #49

[Ginevra]

Yesterday, I had a car-full of groceries and was heading home. It's a BILLION degrees outside. As I take the highway exit ramp that leads to my home, I notice a stopped car on the shoulder, hazards flashing, and a man looking eagerly towards me in the car. I slowed as I rapidly assessed the situation. It appeared his car was broken down. The man was dressed in business atire and did not appear threatening in any way. And as I said, it was a BILLION degrees. He appeared to take my slowing to mean I was pulling over to assist - and I did consider it - but I'm scared. That's the truth of it; I'm just plain scared that a situation may not be as it seems. So I sped up and watched him look so hurt in my rear-view mirror.

 

I feel badly about it. I almost turned off at the next exit for a go-around second chance. But...I don't know. I'm not that inclined to be Good Samaritan as a female that could be easily overpowered by most men intent on nefarious deeds. We aren't in the middle of Nebraska or anything and it's reasonable to expect he could gain assistance from another person less vulnerable. He even could have walked to a store in under a mile, except I would seriously pity anyone doing so in the heat and humidity we have happening now.

 

Tell me I am still a good person and I am not a black-souled cynic. :(

Edited August 14, 2016 by Quill

[MEmama]

You are a good person and not a black souled cynic. Honestly.

 

I feel awful when I can't help people, too. But seriously, what am I going to do? All I could do is lend them my cell phone, and chances are they already have one. I don't have any skills to help with someone's car, nor would I feel safe offering a ride. I wish that weren't the case, but I don't think it makes us bad people.

 

I'm sorry you are feeling badly. :(

 

((Hugs))

[marbel]

I would probably have done the same as you did.  First, I can't do anything for anyone's car.  All I could do would be to offer my phone.  Everyone has a phone - surely a man in business attire has a phone.  (Of course maybe his phone battery was dead.)   I would not offer him a drive.  Maybe I could hand him a bottle of water, if I had any, which I probably would not.

 

Maybe he looked up eagerly when you slowed because he'd already called someone and they drive a car similar to yours, so he thought it was them.  It's possible.

 

 

ETA: Honest, I was typing when MEMama posted.  I didn't mean to parrot her, for real. 

 

Edited August 13, 2016 by marbel

[Valley Girl]

Your safety comes first. I don't blame you for not stopping. What I might do in that situation is call the police nonemergency number and let them know there's a stranded motorist and that I felt afraid to stop. It's not that I expect them to be AAA or anything, but they might be able to send someone to make sure the guy is OK.

[goldberry]

I feel awful when I can't help people, too. But seriously, what am I going to do? All I could do is lend them my cell phone, and chances are they already have one. I don't have any skills to help with someone's car, nor would I feel safe offering a ride. I wish that weren't the case, but I don't think it makes us bad people.

 

 

 

:iagree:

[SKL]

I've been there before.  Sorry, I'm vulnerable and my kids need me.  Generally the the most I would do for an able-bodied man in that situation would be to offer to call for help if he didn't have a working cell phone.

 

Realistically, it is likely that a less vulnerable person drove up and helped the guy shortly after you drove by.

 

I once drove 3 hours to a business meeting, in a suit, without AC, on a super hot day.  Would have been OK except that I was stuck in a traffic jam for about an hour - hence no breeze from the open windows.  It sucked, but it was not the end of the world.  I've also been that person stranded on the side of the road plenty of times, in all sorts of weather, and survived.  Don't worry, Mr. Business Suit will be fine.

[happypamama]

You're not a bad person.  Your first priority is to protect yourself and your family.  I have done the same, driving by someone with a stranded car, but I would stop if it looked like I could do something.  A woman with a couple of small kids, looking worried?  Yeah, I might stop, to offer a phone or to offer to give them a ride (I do have plenty of room in my van).  A man in business attire that I didn't know?  Probably not.  I think calling the police on his behalf would be a good plan, but I would try to see if he had a phone first.  If he's got a phone, there's not much you're going to be able to do, except maybe offer a cold drink if you have one.

 

I was stranded a few years ago when my engine died.  Smoke everywhere.  I barely made it to an off-ramp.  It was hot, and I was visibly very pregnant with four children in tow.  Because of the smoke, I wasn't sure the vehicle wouldn't catch fire or something, so I had everyone out of it.  I was on my way to meet my DH, and my phone was dead (hadn't found the car charger -- yes, I know that wasn't very responsible, but hello, preggo brain).  I was extraordinarily grateful for the nice man who stopped to ask what he could do.  He actually wrote down my DH's workplace (because I didn't know the number, since I never call it, and I don't know why I didn't know DH's cell number, but it was in my dead phone), went home, looked it up online, called it and had the secretary go get DH, and came back with some cold drinks for us.  Now, DH would have realized that I wasn't arriving when expected, and there's only one route I would have taken, and upon not being able to reach me by phone, DH would have headed up the road, and we were very visible from the other side, so he'd have found us, but this nice guy made it go a lot faster.  I hope that my DH would do the same if he saw someone like me, but likely I myself wouldn't be able to do much to actually help someone.  I don't think you did the wrong thing at all, and I think you are a very nice person. :)

[cjzimmer1]

I would have done the same.  If the individual had been a woman, I might have stopped but not for a man.  Maybe that makes me heartless but I can't risk my own safety because sadly too many people are not what they seem.

 

But doing a loop around wouldn't have been a bad idea either. But since you said there was something within a mile, he did have other options even if they weren't pleasant.

 

 

[cjzimmer1]

 

 

I was stranded a few years ago when my engine died.  Smoke everywhere.  I barely made it to an off-ramp.  It was hot, and I was visibly very pregnant with four children in tow.  Because of the smoke, I wasn't sure the vehicle wouldn't catch fire or something, so I had everyone out of it.  I was on my way to meet my DH, and my phone was dead (hadn't found the car charger -- yes, I know that wasn't very responsible, but hello, preggo brain).  I was extraordinarily grateful for the nice man who stopped to ask what he could do.  He actually wrote down my DH's workplace (because I didn't know the number, since I never call it, and I don't know why I didn't know DH's cell number, but it was in my dead phone), went home, looked it up online, called it and had the secretary go get DH, and came back with some cold drinks for us.  Now, DH would have realized that I wasn't arriving when expected, and there's only one route I would have taken, and upon not being able to reach me by phone, DH would have headed up the road, and we were very visible from the other side, so he'd have found us, but this nice guy made it go a lot faster. 

 

I had a flat tire in -2 weather with my 3 week old daughter and 3 other young kids about 15 miles from any business.  I had called AAA but they told me about an hour because I had enough gas to keep the vehicle running and not freeze to death and they were inundated with calls because of the extreme cold. Some guy stopped and put on my spare.  He told me he had driven by and saw the kids and got to thinking about his wife and kids and so he took the next exit and looped around to come help me.  I was very very grateful.  But obviously the risk for him stopping to help me was very different than me stopping to help a man.

[catz]

Honestly, I would have thought you nuts if you had stopped.  Most people have cell phones.  If he would have been very rural, I would have called the police non-emergency number like someone said.  Almost everyone has a cell these days and especially someone dressed in business attire.  Many places I drive people would be walking distance to somewhere that might be helpful. 

 

I don't even want my DH stopping in circumstances like that.  He's skinny and not super large. Sorry, your first responsibility is to your own family. 

[DawnM]

I have called 911 in this situation before.  I won't stop as a woman and certainly not with kids.

[creekland]

I'll be the rebel.  I'd have stopped and asked him if he needed me to call someone or something else.  I wouldn't have been able to help him with his car, but there are other things I could do.

 

I know it's theoretically dangerous, but we've never been hurt stopping and have helped many.

 

I like being that way.  I'd rather die young than change.

[Alexigail]

I think that instinct counts for a lot in these situations.  If it didn't feel right, there may have been a reason.  We have a large homeless population and sometimes I do stop, but sometimes I have my kids with me or I get a particular vibe and I choose to move on.  

[Guest]

I'll be the rebel. I'd have stopped and asked him if he needed me to call someone or something else. I wouldn't have been able to help him with his car, but there are other things I could do.

 

I know it's theoretically dangerous, but we've never been hurt stopping and have helped many.

 

I like being that way. I'd rather die young than change.

Yeah, but you're a lot tougher than me. :D

 

I helped a lady at the library last week; she had accidentally locked her babies in the (running) car while standing outside of it with her toddler. There is a police station next door, so I was able to get help for her almost immediately. I'm calling that my Good Samaratin win for this month.

 

But I still feel a little badly about driving on by the business man.

 

Do you remember the D.C. Sniper? I used to be a lot more trusting, but there was a turning point and it was right around the time of the Sniper attacks.

[fairfarmhand]

My dh would have totally understood once he saw you were female. He might have been disappointed, but not thought you were obnoxious.

[Guest]

Huh. I would have stopped, if only to roll down the window a crack and ask how I could help.

 

DS was about 3 and had to pee. We had been in the car for 12 hours, it was 10pm and we were 150 miles from anything (including cell reception) on the last leg of the trip. I hadn't seen another car in about 30 minutes so I just stopped in the lane, put on my hazard lights and got DS into the back of the car to use the little travel potty I had brought. Lo and behold, some random car happened upon us. It was a single man in a large truck fitted with hunting gear. He pulled along side, and hollered out his window to ask if we needed help. I assured him we didn't; he didn't seem too sure of it, but he drove of. Given the circumstances, it could have gone wrong in so many ways, and I sure would have been uncomfortable if he had actually stopped and gotten out. But there's nothing wrong with hollering through a cracked window with the car running.

[Alicia64]

You are a good -- more importantly, a smart -- person!!!

 

A business suit? Ted Bundy was adorable and played it up. The bad guys don't have horns.

 

Rather than "looking hurt" he should have understood.

 

Also, as my favorite radio show said, "stupid should hurt." We need to take care of our cars so they'll take care of us.

 

Alley

[lexi]

I never stop to assist someone on the side of the road.

I would be zero help anyway. And I would not feel safe doing it.

I always call highway patrol or the city non emergency number and report that someone needs help.

 

My dad stopped to help a woman on the side of the road over 30 years ago. She stole his wallet. Then she started calling our home number to blackmail my parents - telling my mom that my dad had fathered her baby. Since my dad could not have children my mom knew this was not true. She apparently pulled this scam multiple times until she was finally arrested. It was very stressful for my parents.

 

All that to say - anyone could be put in a vulnerable position. And their story has made me overly cautious.

[Debbi in Texas]

I don't think you should feel guilty at all. He shouldn't have made you feel bad. Shame on him for showing disappointment that a woman alone didn't stop to help him.

[Garga]

Poor guy, but I wouldn't have stopped for him. I know that the vast majority of men would never hurt me and would probably come to my aid, but there are the few that ruin it for everyone.

 

The only time I have felt deep regret over not stopping was when I saw a woman alone broken down on the road. It wasn't a super busy area, but not completely remote. She was dressed nice in work clothes (skirt, low heels).

 

She was on her cell phone standing outside the car, so help was probably on the way. But I thought to myself, "Until help arrives, she is vulnerable. Maybe I should stop and just be there so that if someone else wants to cause trouble, they'll think twice because there are two vehicles." I wouldn't have even talked to her. The weather was nice. I'd have just sat in my car and watched over her to be sure no one bothered her.

 

But I didn't. But I wish I had. If I was stuck on the side of the road alone, I would feel very vulnerable and it would be nice if a woman with kids just sat there providing safety in numbers until help arrived. Or maybe she would have thought I was weird...I don't know. I still wish I'd stopped.

 

But I think you shouldn't have. I'm so sorry, Mr. Business Suit man. But women are targets for certain men who are predators. You just can't know for sure who is a nice guy and who will murder you.

Edited August 13, 2016 by Garga

[luuknam]

I don't think you should feel guilty at all. He shouldn't have made you feel bad. Shame on him for showing disappointment that a woman alone didn't stop to help him.

 

Wow, you can't look disappointed if a car is slowing down as if they're about to stop and help you, and then ends up speeding up again instead? It's not like he yelled obscenities at her. He's human, he doesn't have to hide his disappointment - some of us are better at hiding our emotions than others anyway.

 

That said, I wouldn't feel guilty if I were the OP.

[UCF612]

I would not have stopped either. A good friend of mine's mom stopped to help a man. She was beat up. We were in high school at the time and parents didn't let me hear much of what happened beyond that but I imagine more occurred they didn't want me to know about. The man could call for help or another man can stop.

[Seasider]

Cell phones. Everyone has them these days. It is highly unlikely that man hadn't already called someone for assistance and was waiting for a friend or tow to show up.

[Guest]

Cell phones. Everyone has them these days. It is highly unlikely that man hadn't already called someone for assistance and was waiting for a friend or tow to show up.

Hasn't your phone ever died after a long day of constant use? Or maybe he dropped it and the screen shattered. Or maybe he dropped it in the toilet after using it and decided not to try to fish it out because gross. Or maybe his wife's phone quit working but she had a doctors appt that day so he gave her his to use. Or maybe he was trying to take a picture of the license plate of the guy that just cut him, dropped the phone out of his window, ran over it and the sharp plastic shot up and punctured his radiator causing his car to overheat and break down.

 

ETA: ok yes, I know that radiators are in the front of the car so if he dropped the phone, it likely would have been run over by the back tires not the front and not anywhere near the radiator. But still.

Edited August 14, 2016 by WendyAndMilo

[eternalsummer]

I understand your not stopping and myself would probably not have stopped.

 

However, I thought it was interesting that you referenced the Good Samaritan, because this situation is so specifically parallel to the actual story in the bible (and esp. MLK's interpretation of it).  I am not religious but I read and listened to his final sermon, which is beautiful and interprets the lesson of the Good Samaritan as the choice between not helping (someone on the side of a dangerous road) out of fear for oneself vs helping because of overriding concern for the other.

 

I'd try to summarize better and quote but it's honestly such a great sermon that it's worth reading in the entirety.  http://www.ucc.org/sacred-conversation_dr-kings-last-sermon

 

Especially the last paragraph.  

[Seasider]

Hasn't your phone ever died after a long day of constant use? Or maybe he dropped it and the screen shattered. Or maybe he dropped it in the toilet after using it and decided not to try to fish it out because gross. Or maybe his wife's phone quit working but she had a doctors appt that day so he gave her his to use. Or maybe he was trying to take a picture of the license plate of the guy that just cut him, dropped the phone out of his window, ran over it and the sharp plastic shot up and punctured his radiator causing his car to overheat and break down.

 

ETA: ok yes, I know that radiators are in the front of the car so if he dropped the phone, it likely would have been run over by the back tires not the front and not anywhere near the radiator. But still.

True.

 

So Quill could have used hers to call the police roadside assistance number (not 911, but most states have something) if she were concerned.

 

The point I meant to make was that cell phones can make being helpful a non-contact event, for those times when one might feel that stopping isn't prudent.

[SereneHome]

Well, if the guy on the road wouldn't have killed me, my husband would.  He thinks I am too naive in my attempts to try to help random people and don't take my safety seriously.

 

It breaks my heart to feel that way, but I would do exactly the same thing.  I might have called in the break down so cops could go and help him.

 

I've given rides to elderly people - that's as far as I go. 

 

May be I watched too much Criminal Minds, but I wouldn't even stop for people in wheelchairs.

 

 

[Misha]

I just asked DH how he would feel as the stranded motorist in this situation and he said he'd be more than okay with a woman not stopping because you never know.

 

 

As a woman with children, I wouldn't stop and I wouldn't feel guilty about driving past. I might call 911 or highway patrol or something, but I wouldn't stop.

[gardenmom5]

reality is -women have to think of such things. but in this day and age of cell phones, it's easy to call 911 to report a disabled on the freeway.

[FriedClams]

Didn't one of those major serial killers dress in suits and look sharp? I'm not saying this guy was bad, but bad doesn't always look bad. Trust your gut, and call 911 to report it next time. No worries!!

[marbel]

<snip>

 

Also, as my favorite radio show said, "stupid should hurt." We need to take care of our cars so they'll take care of us.

 

Alley

 

Even well-maintained cars can have a sudden problem and break down.   If you see a car broken down on the road do you really assume the person doesn't maintain their vehicle? 

 

[gardenmom5]

it doesn't even have to be on the side of a road.  I had someone come up to me - wading through a crowd of other flyers with their stuff, wanting me to help him get to the tram in the airport.  when I realized I would be going down a long set of stairs into an area there weren't many people (and no one hanging around) - I refused and just pointed where he could go. I probably should have reported him to airport security.  he may have been legitimately lost, but he could also have been looking for a remote area to rob or worse.   and that's the reality of things which we need to be aware.

[gardenmom5]

Didn't one of those major serial killers dress in suits and look sharp? I'm not saying this guy was bad, but bad doesn't always look bad. Trust your gut, and call 911 to report it next time. No worries!!

 

ted bundy came across as very respectable and charming. he  liked college students.

[Lawana]

I always feel bad in situations like that. Numerous times I have driven by when my heart said to stop. Really, there is no good solution. I keep driving because the part of me that says, "What about your family? What would your children say if you came to harm because you did something "stupid" such as stop to help a stranger who was only trying to scam you?" overrides the part that says a fellow human needs help. Maybe if we didn't blame the victim so much it would be easier to stop. I want to stop, but mostly I don't.

[LucyStoner]

On the side of the freeway? I'm not stopping. Forget possible serial killer, I just have a huge paranoia about the safety of getting out of my car on a freeway or pulling back into traffic from a dead stop on the side of the freeway. I'd also be worried about my sons climbing out of the car in a freeway shoulder. I'd call it in on the off chance the dude didn't have a cell or perhaps his cell battery was dead but I wouldn't stop.

 

In town, in the daytime, I will stop unless something tells me not to. But I live in a densely populated area, am very aware of my surroundings, am capable of defending myself and the overall risk of someone wanting something besides help is low. I've never been in a situation where I was alone and someone needed help late at night. My husband and I have helped at night twice.

[gardenmom5]

  Maybe if we didn't blame the victim so much it would be easier to stop. I 

 

I think it is far far less about victim blaming, but knowing there are unscrupulous people who will take advantage of someone who will stop. either to rob them, or  worse.  sometimes, much worse.

[happypamama]

Do you remember the D.C. Sniper? I used to be a lot more trusting, but there was a turning point and it was right around the time of the Sniper attacks.

I moved to the DC suburbs right at the time of the Sniper.  That was scary.

[creekland]

I understand your not stopping and myself would probably not have stopped.

 

However, I thought it was interesting that you referenced the Good Samaritan, because this situation is so specifically parallel to the actual story in the bible (and esp. MLK's interpretation of it).  I am not religious but I read and listened to his final sermon, which is beautiful and interprets the lesson of the Good Samaritan as the choice between not helping (someone on the side of a dangerous road) out of fear for oneself vs helping because of overriding concern for the other.

 

I'd try to summarize better and quote but it's honestly such a great sermon that it's worth reading in the entirety.  http://www.ucc.org/sacred-conversation_dr-kings-last-sermon

 

Especially the last paragraph.  

 

This reflects my thoughts exactly.  I know there's a remote chance I'd be in danger (a greater chance of being in danger if I opted to use my cell phone while driving!), but I'd still stop.  My action reflects both my personality (as Quill mentioned) and faith.

 

The only exception I'd make is when there is a rash of attacks going on (as happened in FL when we lived there), but I'd at least still call (once stopped a little bit further on).  However, chances are, no one with ill intent is opting for this robbery scam in this heat wave and along a freeway in a populated area, etc.

 

That said, personality is everything.  We now teach defense from killers in school (the joys of our modern era!).  There are three natural responses to danger - flight, fight, or freeze.  I always tell my kids (teens) that they ought to know which category they are in by their age.  It's a natural deal, so there's no "wimpiness" to it - gauge their response according to who they really are, not who they want to be.  I'm rather obviously a fighter.  I'll be one taking on the bad guy(s) or dying trying.  If others are in that fighter category, they're welcome to be with me.  If not, please(!), I'd rather you hide and stay out of the way.  Someone in that situation who can't think quickly on their feet is not really helping and can be a hindrance.  

 

I moved to the DC suburbs right at the time of the Sniper.  That was scary.

 

My in-laws liked to frequent a restaurant where the sniper got one of his victims.  When we go visit them we pass by another couple of "hit" places.

 

That situation doesn't match this one at all though.  If we were scared of snipers we'd be staying in our houses and never going anywhere.  Other than perhaps Phoenix with their current sniper situation, I don't see that happening.  Combining this situation and that isn't exactly a good connection.  There are situations where criminals try the "broken down car" bait though.  That's true - and matches.  It's not common enough (in most situations) to change my behavior though - and The Good Samaritan story is placed into a dangerous setting, so that matches too.

 

For "anyone" in this situation, the least one can do is call it in, but please, don't call while actually driving.  Talk about upping your odds of being in danger!

 

Our human perspective of danger is amusing at times.

[Guest]

On the side of the freeway? I'm not stopping. Forget possible serial killer, I just have a huge paranoia about the safety of getting out of my car on a freeway or pulling back into traffic from a dead stop on the side of the freeway. I'd also be worried about my sons climbing out of the car in a freeway shoulder. I'd call it in on the off chance the dude didn't have a cell or perhaps his cell battery was dead but I wouldn't stop.

 

In town, in the daytime, I will stop unless something tells me not to. But I live in a densely populated area, am very aware of my surroundings, am capable of defending myself and the overall risk of someone wanting something besides help is low. I've never been in a situation where I was alone and someone needed help late at night. My husband and I have helped at night twice.

This was not ON the freeway; it was on the shoulder on the off-ramp. The ramp curves around through trees. Just setting the scene so it's understood he wasn't stopped in a plain-as-day area with a hundred other cars whizzing past.

[Guest]

That situation doesn't match this one at all though. If we were scared of snipers we'd be staying in our houses and never going anywhere. Other than perhaps Phoenix with their current sniper situation, I don't see that happening. Combining this situation and that isn't exactly a good connection. There are situations where criminals try the "broken down car" bait though. That's true - and matches. It's not common enough (in most situations) to change my behavior though - and The Good Samaritan story is placed into a dangerous setting, so that matches too.

Understand, I wasn't saying this situation was just like the sniper. I was saying, for myself personally, this was around the time I started to think I couldn't afford to be so la-dee-da presumptive about my safety and the expected goodness of others.

 

I do think it makes a difference that I am a woman and I'm not a particularly imposing sort of woman.

 

I do agree about calling or texting while driving. I'm very against that and I think it's important to model that to my young drivers.

 

I actually have no idea what the police non-emergency number is for my area. Do people usually know that?

[kewb]

I wouldn't have stopped but I would have called the police to notify them of where someone was broken down.

 

Safety first.

[marbel]

<snip>

 

I actually have no idea what the police non-emergency number is for my area. Do people usually know that?

 

I don't know it to dial it without looking it up, but I have called it. 

 

This thread is making me think I should put it in my phone.  I rarely encounter a situation like this, and never in a place where there wouldn't be lots of other people also driving by.  Usually when I do see someone broken down, they are talking on their phone.  :-)  But, it probably is a good idea to have the phone number readily available.

 

 

[Valley Girl]

I don't know it to dial it without looking it up, but I have called it. 

 

This thread is making me think I should put it in my phone.  I rarely encounter a situation like this, and never in a place where there wouldn't be lots of other people also driving by.  Usually when I do see someone broken down, they are talking on their phone.  :-)  But, it probably is a good idea to have the phone number readily available.

 

The nonemergency number is good to have. Also look through your city phone listing for other numbers as well. Here we have a special phone number you can call if you witness road rage or hazardous driving incidents. I would never have thought to look for something like that.

[ktgrok]

I try to remember that not everyone is called to the same missions in life. I am not going to cure cancer, but I can write books that make people smile. I can help a person suffering from mastitis with good advice. The person curing cancer may not be able to do those things. I don't stop to help stranded motorists, but my husband does. I do other things, that he doesn't do. We all have our places. At that point, mine might be to call and report the incident. 

[Denisemomof4]

I would have done the same thing. The suit could have been used as a distraction. I don't think women should be pulling over to help men ever. Ypu cpuld have called the PD to let them know someone needed help at such and such a spot, but if you didn't think of it, you can't do anything about that.

[xixstar]

If it makes you feel better. We took the same ramp and there was a car on the side with two other cars stopped to help. I am assuming this was the same car, so he did get help.

[Guest]

Prepare to be amazed.

 

I'm not the world's most religious person, but I gotta admit, this was amazing.

 

I went to church today with DD; not the church I usually attend. It's a little Lutheran church she likes and we go when DH and the boys are not home. They had a different minister today. It was a young man "interning" (or whatever you call it) to be a Lutheran minister himself. So, the head minister announces the sermon, "Our serman today is on the story of..." What do you imagine it will be. The Good Samaritan. I kid you not.

 

Mind. Blown.

 

The young man gives the sermon on The Good Samaitan. Not only does he do this, he relates it to an anecdote from his own life, as all good speakers do. He related a story about how he had an accident on the interstate and talked about those who stopped to help. Can you even believe it?

[TranquilMind]

Prepare to be amazed.

 

I'm not the world's most religious person, but I gotta admit, this was amazing.

 

I went to church today with DD; not the church I usually attend. It's a little Lutheran church she likes and we go when DH and the boys are not home. They had a different minister today. It was a young man "interning" (or whatever you call it) to be a Lutheran minister himself. So, the head minister announces the sermon, "Our serman today is on the story of..." What do you imagine it will be. The Good Samaritan. I kid you not.

 

Mind. Blown.

 

The young man gives the sermon on The Good Samaitan. Not only does he do this, he relates it to an anecdote from his own life, as all good speakers do. He related a story about how he had an accident on the interstate and talked about those who stopped to help. Can you even believe it?

That's amazing!  I love it when God is really getting our attention like that!  Awesome.

[Guest]

Prepare to be amazed.

 

I'm not the world's most religious person, but I gotta admit, this was amazing.

 

I went to church today with DD; not the church I usually attend. It's a little Lutheran church she likes and we go when DH and the boys are not home. They had a different minister today. It was a young man "interning" (or whatever you call it) to be a Lutheran minister himself. So, the head minister announces the sermon, "Our serman today is on the story of..." What do you imagine it will be. The Good Samaritan. I kid you not.

 

Mind. Blown.

 

The young man gives the sermon on The Good Samaitan. Not only does he do this, he relates it to an anecdote from his own life, as all good speakers do. He related a story about how he had an accident on the interstate and talked about those who stopped to help. Can you even believe it?

I am rather religious, so this doesn't surprise me at all. :)

 

I didn't comment earlier,because I assumed you were sorta on the JAWM side, but since you're now going down that path...

 

A few years ago my husband had a flat tire, so he pulled off the highway and onto the shoulder of an exit ramp. While he was changing the tire, the car slipped off the jack and pinned his arm in the wheel well. His bone was utterly shattered. He immediately tried to use his cell phone to call for help, but with one useable hand he couldn't manage to unlock his phone. (It was a government Blackberry with a super-long password and an actual button-type keyboard that required two hands to shift to capital letters. Anyway...) Desperately he tried unsuccessfully to flag down passing motorists, but no one would come to his aid. This was during rush hour in a major city, so there were a LOT of passing cars. After fifteen minutes of excruciating pain, he managed to unlock his phone and call me. (I was on speed dial.) I arranged for emergency services for him. The doctors barely managed to save his arm, as the initial medical consideration was amputation. Oh, and dh was in his military uniform at the time, but apparently that didn't matter to anyone. The most disheartening part about the whole experience was how no one was willing to stop and see if he needed help as he suffered on the roadside. I nearly lost all hope in humanity.

 

However...

 

We recently totaled our car when a deer decided to bolt into it as we were traveling 75mph. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people stopped to see if we needed aid - fully 2/3 to 3/4 of the passing vehicles. We were not in a city at the time, so I think there is a different perception about rendering aid between city folk and country folk. My faith in humanity had been restored.

Edited August 14, 2016 by Kinsa

[luuknam]

I do agree about calling or texting while driving. I'm very against that and I think it's important to model that to my young drivers.

 

I actually have no idea what the police non-emergency number is for my area. Do people usually know that?

 

I don't, and since there are so many cities in this metro area, it probably would be pointless, as I'd probably be in a different one than the one I live in. However, if you could find a could place to park not too far away (e.g. gas station at nearby exit), then it would be possible to Google what the local number would be (if you have a smart phone with data) and call that. I probably wouldn't bother if the guy was close enough to civilization that he could walk a mile to a store, but if it was the middle of nowhere, I'd like to think that I would (if the road is really deserted middle of nowhere I think I might even just pull over a mile down the road to do that). Especially if it's hot or excessively cold.

Edited August 14, 2016 by luuknam