Oppo, a word about life.

"wunderwagen wants a longer roof" (wunderwagen)
03/21/2016 at 21:08 • Filed to: None

I realized just how fragile life can be today for the first time since my Dad died.

Today, about 20 minutes after I got to work I watched a motorcyclist wreck in front of the coffee shop I work for. My first thoughts were to get to him, make sure he was okay, and get him out of he road. The road he wrecked on is an extrememly busy one with two lanes going each direction and a turning lane in the center. While coming out of his neighborhood and turning left his rear tire hit an oil/fluid slick that spun the bike, which then fell on its side on top of him, and slid 12-15 feet into the center lane. Thankfully no cars were attempting to make the turn and neither of us were hit when he slid and I was running to help him. After checking to make sure he wasn’t injured and getting the bike up, we got the bits picked up from his bike and got him going on his way. He would have had a crushed foot/ankle if not for his boots and other injuries if he hadn’t worn his full gear today.

During the whole 10-15 minutes the incident happened, not a single car slowed or stopped in bright sunlight and clear conditions. It stunned me that there was such disregard for 2 people obviously in a dangerous situation. The motorcyclist stopped by the shop to thank me for helping him and let me know he was alright a short time ago. Today has been crazy and taught me a few things.

First, always help someone in danger if you are able.

Second, care about other human beings in general. You never know what may happen and if you’re the only person who cares enough to do something.

Third, be excellent to each other. Every day, all the time.

Fourth, always wear or use all the safety equipment you can whether you ride a motorcycle, drive a car, whatever it is. His full gear probably saved his life and at the very least from some painful injuries. A seatbelt in the car is ridiculously easy to use and proven to save lives time and again.

I hope that if I were ever in his situation, someone helped me and that anyone who reads this helps others in need of they come across a situation like this or worse. Don’t do it for recognition or reward, do it because it’s the right thing and it’s another person. Our lives are fragile and can be ended in an instant, just do all you can to help others.

DISCUSSION (19)

Chariotoflove > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:20

Well said. I’m glad you had the opportunity to do good in the world today.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:23

It’s also amazing how useless some grown-ass adults can be in an emergency situation. Shortly after getting the Miata I was heading north on a busy street when I saw a huge cloud of smoke and dust about four cars ahead of me. The cars all parted and I saw a midsized 2000s Nissan facing the wrong way in traffic, obviously broadsided. I look over and see a 90s Explorer stopped on the median surrounded by pieces of its front bumper. It was pretty obvious what happened; the girl turned left across the southbound lane to get to the northbound lane and somehow didn’t notice the southbound Ford traveling around 45mph. Judging by the lack of tire squeal I doubt he had time to even brake.

Anyways, by this time a few dozen cars have gingerly inched their way past the scene and I stop the Miata a few car lengths upstream of the wrecked Nissan and pop on my hazards so I have a barrier while I’m futzing about with the wreck. As I get to my car I notice other people coming out of the surrounding shops to come help, and they reach her just before I do. But once they reach her they do... nothing. The girl is in hysterics, they get her out of the car and keep trying to calm her down, and trying, and trying, and getting nowhere. I looked in the car and thankfully nobody else was in there, pointed at a dude and told him to get an ambulance here because in a wreck like that she’s gonna be hurt regardless of what she says, then head over to the Explorer to make sure everyone’s okay there. They are, airbags haven’t even gone off (damn, son). Neato. I turn around to head back to the nissan and THEY’RE STILL STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GODDAMN ROAD.

At this point the cops aren’t far away but I have illegal tags on my recently-purchased car and left the bill of sale at home. Wanting to avoid awkward police conversations I look for a way out, tell them to take the girl the starbucks about 40 yards away and buy her a coffee to calm down a little over and wait for the ambulance, make sure Dude A successfully called the ambulance, then GTFO.

And all this time people kept driving by. Nobody even shouted out their window asking if she was okay or anything.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:33

I’ve had that reminder recently myself, my brother in law(ish), is on life support from a crash he had yesterday and probably won’t make t.

Drive safe everyone, and don’t forget to show your loved ones how much they mean to you.

iSureWilll > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/21/2016 at 21:34

Not good to hear. Your bro in law(ish) will be in my prayers.

iSureWilll > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:36

Good on you for doing the right thing and being a good person. It’s amazing how many people just don’t care for the life next to them. If everyone tried to look out for the guy(read: human) next to them we would all be better.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/21/2016 at 21:41

To be frank it was fucking surreal, somewhere around 200-300 cars (at least) just blew by. My coworker actually was waiting for me to signal him to call 911 if needed and was the only person of around 10 in my shop watching me sprint out to actually think to do something.

And good job on doing the right thing man. Apparently it's rare to not be useless.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > iSureWilll
03/21/2016 at 21:45

It's pretty surreal. I'm not sure how so many can be stupid or not care.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/21/2016 at 21:46

That absolutely sucks and your family are in my thoughts. Hope that he survives and recovers.

iSureWilll > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:50

It’s amazing! I usually gauge the “nice” level of an area by how often people say thank you when you hold the door for them. You would be surprised to know that south Jersey is better than Indianapolis.

f86sabre > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 21:50

No truer words.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > iSureWilll
03/21/2016 at 22:06

That’s genius. The method I judge by is how people treat servers/baristas, mainly since I’ve been one for a while now. You really learn how to spot the nice people and the jerks, even if they don't look it.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/21/2016 at 23:25

thanks mate, but he passed not long after I posted that.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/22/2016 at 01:23

I recall this summer in Paris, I saw a car hit the back of a motorcycle as it was taking a turn. That gave me a very scary visualization of life, extremely similar to mine. One person was pinned under while the other hopped off. I was with a tour group at that time...really fucked me up not helping them.... I should have helped, but some circumstances wouldn’t allow, and toiling over those circumstances afterward was very depressing.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/22/2016 at 08:57

Truly unfortunate, your family are in my thoughts this week.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/22/2016 at 16:35

Thanks for being the one to stop and help. Very sorry about your loss. My dad will be 79 this year and is still in pretty good health, thankfully, but I know that I could be going through this before too much longer.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
03/22/2016 at 16:36

Damn... very sorry for your family’s loss.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
03/22/2016 at 17:48

I always try to do the right thing, didn’t even cross my mind not to help him. I can only hope someone else returns the favor of the need arose.

Thanks man, it’s been 7 years since he passed. It was a hell of a shock half way through Freshman year of high school. Hopefully your dad sees a couple more decades, cherish the time you’ve got now.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > wunderwagen wants a longer roof
03/22/2016 at 18:05

I hope that’s always my instinct, and that I teach my children to act the same way, too.

I can’t imagine losing my dad that young. Thanks for the good wishes - we recently made plans to meet up soon.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
03/22/2016 at 18:13

I hope to pass on the same ideals/instincts to any kids I have in the future as well. There’s no reason not to help your fellows.

It definitely changed me and my family as you can imagine. Glad to hear it.