Dead Mans Curve
I work at the bottom of a hill; both ways. Needless to say, when the weather outside is frightful it’s a pain in the ass to get out of here. Broadway headed north is just up, up and away. Broadway headed south is a snake route with a very small median. I picked up a co-worker to drive in this morning and we took a route that started me at the top of the hill headed down the snake. I quip:
“…headed down Dead Mans Curve…”
What I didn’t know as I round a blind curve is some unlucky driver smashed into the median, bounced back into the center of a two lane strip and was stuck. Five cars passed with without stopping to help. I mean, why would they? It’s the AM commute. It’s not that nice of a car. It’s 8 degrees out. Screw that poor sap.
I’m not that kind of person.
We slowly approach and I notice sparks from under the engine (you know, where it’s touching the pavement). I also notice fluids pouring out from under the blue Geo Metro (early 90’s probably). I walk over and make sure the driver (female kid) is ok. She is, just shaking and unable to understand how she rammed into the median. I tell her to shut off the engine because I saw sparks. What I come to figure out is the sparks were due to her trying to get it off the road. One problem: the drivers tire is destroyed. I tell her to turn the engine back on, put it in neutral and take her foot off the break. I try and push it out of the way with no luck. Her car had merged with the frozen asphalt. She needed a tow.
I stand outside behind her car hand signaling drivers literally flying around the blind corner to get the fuck over. I was amazing at how many people were tearing around the corner, when it’s obviously slick. A freaking school-bus of all vehicles had to break; hard.
My co-worker got the cops on the phone. A tow truck showed up to help her out. As I pop my head back in the car to let the girl know what is about to happen:
“I can’t afford a tow. I just got this car. I’m trying to get to work. Everyone I know is at work…”
I consoled her. Let her know this wasn’t her fault. The roads are slick. She didn’t hit anyone or hurt anyone. She was safe and the police and tow company would help her out.
As my co-worker and I attempted to warm up on the drive to the office it hit me how strong of a support system I have. I have dozens of people I could call in a rut to help me if I needed it. Gave me a sense of respect for the situation I currently have.
And I slowed the fuck down.
