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Re: accident- be careful out there

    Blair, you witnessed and described one of my worst fears; I admire and
commend you for stopping to assist in such a situation.  I've heard that one
never knows what one can do until the moment of truth.  I hope I never have
to find out (again).

    Several years ago, I was driving on a suburban 4-lane divided road near
home.  40 mph limit, but traffic usually goes 45-55, not unreasonable.  About
1/4 mile ahead I saw what looked like a *too-large* trash bag rolling across
my lanes.  It took me several seconds to realize that it was the bottom of an
oncoming car, *cartwheeling* across a 100-foot grassy median, across two
lanes of road, and into a ditch.  I freaked.  So many things ran through my
mind:  were there other cars, how many people hurt, what about fatalities,
what should I do, what CAN I do?  As I slowly approached, people were already
coming out of their houses to see what happened.  I couldn't tell what kind
of car it used to be-- it didn't matter.  What still haunts me is that the
only thing I could think of was to stay out of the way, call for help, and
hope qualified personnel arrived in time.  I sped to the next gas station 1/2
mi away, and almost mis-dialed 911, I was shaking so bad.  It occurred to me
that those people back there had phones in their houses, but I needed to do
*something*.

    I have since taken first-aid and CPR classes, with the fervent hope that
since I (think I) know how, I won't need it.  I don't want to see my moment
of truth, but if I should, I hope I'll do more than run and call for help,
although *someone* would still be needed to do that.  I think involved
bystanders and rescue personnel, especially volunteers, should be deified for
working under such conditions, especially given the increased hazards of
recent years.

    I'm not normally a banzai driver on the street, just enthusiastic and
active (as opposed to passive).  Having read your story, Blair, I think I'll
be concentrating even more on smooth form and technique, rather than "just
getting there".  I don't think getting rid of your Bronco and CSi in favor of
airbag-equipped vehicles is as much the answer as paying attention and
driving within your abilities, your car's capabilities, and the traffic
conditions of the moment.  Then again, I haven't seen what you've seen.

    Unfortunately, we may well see replies saying, "Aw, that'll never happen
to me, I'm a better driver than that."  To which I say:  You never know,
until you do...

Gary Toyama