I was 18 miles from my turnoff on the interstate. A car about 4 car lengths in front of me in the left lane, I was in the right lane sideswiped the concrete bridge railing, which considering he was traveling 80 mph sent him spinning across both lanes of the interstate 4 times, right in front of me. I slammed on my brakes and moved to the left lane, when I looked at my speedometer I was down to 42 mph. He was headed straight for me when he went down the ditch and out of sight. I immediately watched for a mile marker as I couldn't stop and called it in. I don't think any other cars even saw it happen. Having a new knee replacement I knew I could not walk down in the ditch. I was heart sick and ill by the time I got home. This happened 20 minutes before I had to pick up grandchildren at school. Finally I decided about 8:30 to call the highway patrol. When I called in the dispatcher recognized my phone number and greeted me by my name. I told her I was concerned about the driver and any passengers. She read the patrolman's report to me about the spiraling tire marks, my skid mark the path down the ravine and a path out of the ravine. He arrived 4 minutes after I called in! She commended my fast response in calling in and thanked me. So, I guess the person didn't want to be found. The trooper reported 6-8' of muddy tire prints on the interstate.
It makes me so glad I have hands free calling and that I drive and really watch all that is going on around me. |
