Anybody ever watch "The Matrix Reloaded"? Remember when the hero goes onto the freeway and says "I was told to stay away from the Freeway, it's suicide" or something like that.
Well I drive the GSP (Garden State Parkway) in NJ every day. Same thing. No ghost programs firing machine guns and creating traffic havoc but lots of weary drivers trying to get home after a long days work. Sometimes these drivers make minor errors that have major consequences.
The speed limit is 55 mph, but nobody goes that slow. I usually go with the flow, between 60 and 65 mph.
On this particular day I am in the center lane of the 5 lane highway heading north on the GSP toward 78 East, then NYC. On the far left, a big older car passes me going maybe 65 mph. Then in the near left lane a car races by going I guess 75 mph. When the far left car decides to give up the fast lane for the benefit of the other speeders and the 75 mph car is trying to pass him on the right (never a good idea) he clips her front bumper. I think "mph " is an important abbreviation here. I like typing it too. MPH.
Both spun out and the 75 mph lady hit the concrete barrier head on and spins to a stop directly in front of me.
Bummer. I was hoping to get home to a nice salad for dinner. Everything unfolded like a slow-mo movie clip from the "Matrix". Cool movie by the way.
I thought for a few seconds "everybody driving behind me is now stunned witnessing the crash, hanging back in case there is worse to come and I could easily get in front and drive off". No, my conscience said "you are really good in a crisis, go help". So I leaped out and ran to my new friend dazed and confused in her car.
I checked her wounds (not severe but gross) and she was fine till the ambulance arrived. I coordinated the traffic and all the other Samaritans who came to help. It seemed like everybody who came to help needed some emotional nurturing, the wounded and the rescuers. Everybody was a little panicked. I eventually talked and comforted everybody including the 65 mph driver who was just trying to change lanes (no injuries) and I gave him a big hug. He was a great guy. He kept saying "I didn't see her, she was in my blind spot". "I knew I would be OK cause I have a big car, but is she OK?" He was right about his car, an old Lincoln, not a scratch.
A good soul with volunteer fire fighter emergency lights said he would stay to direct the rest of the traffic till the State Troopers arrived.
Everyone was where they needed to be and doing what they needed to do. I guess my job was to help everyone nurture each other as they could and not panic. That's what I did. After the paramedics arrived and took over, I went on my way home.
What is the moral of the story? I just reacted to people in need and did my best to help. I believe we all have an opportunity to help others. Just don't let the opportunity get away. The accident was a very positive experience for us all.
When you can, reach out to people in need and be your best. Helping is truly living.
Don't be afraid.
Scottie Dog
