After the impact of a white truck barrelling backwards into my car, my immediate reaction prompted me to open my driver’s side door. As I pushed against my door, I saw the white truck rushing away, ready to abandon me and responsibility.
A hit and run. So many thoughts started swirling in my head. A small little pain hit my back and I grabbed my cell phone. I attempted to take a picture of the license plate, but wasn’t close enough to zoom into the cactus adorned metal plate. My eyes blurred, realizing there wasn’t much I could do, trapped inside my car. Even if I could manage to make it out the car door, was I going to run across the intersection to catch the white truck? I reached again to try to open the door, the smell of petroleum filling the air.
My window open, my eyes darted to a mini-van who decided to stop.
“Are you alright?” She asked, her face concerned. I didn’t respond.
“I saw that white truck pulling away. I am going to call the police. I am going to stop the truck for you and come back and check on how you are doing.” I managed to say, “Ok.”
Minutes later, the minivan’s mission a success, and the triumvarate of resolution appeared like a thunderstorm. The police officer helped me out of my door, while the minivan “caught” the white truck. We conferenced in the middle of the road, the officer asking me relevant questions regarding the accident.
The woman from the minivan, stepped out, and asked me how I was doing and if I needed anything else. I thanked her and waited as the police officer finished her investigation.
A stranger stopped for me. She didn’t know me. There wasn’t anything in it for her, except heartfelt thanks from someone she didn’t know. Her actions caused me to think about the number of car accidents I’ve witnessed while driving by, taking a turn or waiting at a traffic light. I am startled to make this confession. I never stopped to ask the victims of these circumstances, if they needed any assistance. I can’t think of a reason why I didn’t stop, other than, I was too busy or running late for my destination. There isn’t a good excuse.
There is a certain amount of truth in believing that events happen for some reason. For me, I am going to keep this chain reaction moving. That woman stopped for me; and I will stop for another. These pieces of kindness we bestow on people we don’t even know are important. That white truck barrelling backward into me renewed my faith in the benevolence of a stranger.
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Have you stopped to render aid at an accident scene ? Why or why not? Do you believe in the kindness of random strangers?
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Your invitation reminds me of the story I once read to my children called The Yellow Rope. I don’t know whatever happened to it. I have tried many times to retrieve it later as a teacher and school principal, but have not been able to do so. It is the story about random acts of kindness passed along to seemingly unconnected people and events. It is a delightful children’s tale, but with a deeper call to the humanity of man. When we receive the rope, we must pass it on – if and when the opportunity arises. It may be a “miracle” or “angels” in our midst, but your story reminds me that we are called to “serve,” in whatever capacity crosses our path. In the midst of our (my) business, we are am not always aware of this call. Thank you, Rudri, for your story to remind me this beautiful morning! Trish
I don’t usually stop, either. I think (or I’d like to think) if I witnessed a hit-and-run, however, that I would stop. I’m not sure I’d be as Dirty Harry courageous as the minivan lady and chase down the guilty party (wow–she is awesome) but I’d like to think I’d stop.
Glad they caught the dolt who hit you!
I’ve never stopped either…but I’d like to think I would in the future.
I have to admit, I don’t stop. As much as I’d like to lend a hand, I’m always paranoid that “it could be a trap” or something stupid like that. City living has made me suspicious of everything. That said, I’m still willing to help a stranger, but only in other “safer” contexts.
I had my little fiat spider totaled by a limo in Washington dc I could have died it spun my car around he ran a red light people stopped for me bc it was such a bad wreck what a gift bc their witness statements got my car fully covered and reassured me that even in the anonymity of dc people did care about each other
What a story! I’d like to think I’d stop, but like you, I’ve driven by in the past. I think our first reaction is to assume things are taken care of, that someone else is helping, that we’re not needed. Not always so, as your experience reminds me.
You raise quite a lot of questions. I’ve been in accidents, but was unaware of who stopped and who didn’t. This post has certainly made me think about my own responses.
I’ve stopped at accidents when they happen near me, even entertaining someone’s kids while they spoke to the police. However, if I didn’t witness the crash and there are others milling around, I don’t stop. It’s definitely something to think about.
Hi! Me again! Wondering if you’d email me at amy(at)nevertruetales(dot)com…I have a question for you!
Thank you for making me think today. I haven’t ever stopped, but have been tempted but there has always been someone else already there, so I’ve used that as my excuse I guess to continue. I am so glad someone was there for you. In this often cruel world, there are still kind strangers, so glad you met one. Hope your back is ok.
This is so powerful. Amazing that this experience, admittedly and understandably rattling, has forced you to stop and think and promise to stop for someone else. A reminder that there is good in this world and that strangers are often our biggest supporters. Some immense symbolism here. Thanks for sharing this, Rudri. Hope you are feeling okay. xox
Clearly I’m in good company when I admit that I too wouldn’t stop. To be honest, I don’t think I would because it wouldn’t occur to me that I could even help. But your story raises the point that sometimes you can help…it’s a good idea to at least try. In our hectic busy lives, we need to be reminded of this – more acts of kindness!
How are you doing now? I hope this week has been better for you.
This is somewhat of a tangent, but have you read the Washington Post article Pearls Before Breakfast? It’s about the world-famous violinist Joshua Bell, who sets up in the subway and starts to play. It follows him for a couple of hours, as 1,000 people walk right by, never pausing to listen to the amazing music.
I like to think, in good circumstances or bad, that I would stop. To help you. To listen to Joshua Bell. But I don’t know. Like you, I will now think about it more when the opportunity presents itself and hope that I will always remember to reciprocate unexpected kindness shown to me.
I have not seen many accidents and I’ve never stopped for one but I have stopped for a woman being verbally and physically abused and for a homeless man (who has become a friend) being accosted by cops. I have had a woman stop for me when I needed help. I completely understand the hesitation to not want to get involved and it’s heartening to know that there is always someone who is willing to be a good samaritan.
I hope you’re feeling better, Rudri. This is a traumatic experience and I wish you full recovery soon. xx
I’m glad that you are all right. Sadly, what most vehicles don’t think about is the life they just impacted and the fact that leaving the scene of an accident is a felony. I wonder what the driver in the truck was hiding?
I’m so glad that woman was able to catch the truck. I was angry at the thought of the guy getting away with it. Glad that woman was there to help you.
Oh wow, I’m so glad you’re alright. I personally would always stop but that probably has a lot to do with having been brought up in a small community. I occasionally grumble about aspects of living on an island but we’re fortunate in that generally we have that ‘small town / countryside’ attitude to one another.