I don’t know how to say this, so I just will say it: I think I saw a guy die today…I was sitting in the Coffee Bean writing at about nine am and some people said, “Call 911. A guy was hit on his motorcycle!”
We watched from inside as the busy intersection was blocked off just minutes later by two big, red fire trucks and a smaller paramedics vehicle. I could just see from my spot at the table – they pumped his chest, over and over. Then he was lifted on a stretcher and was gone. A bit later, the intersection was blocked off and there was a police car and officers directing traffic away. I think they do this when some has died to determine who was at fault, but they probably do this when someone was injured too, so maybe he is still alive . . . maybe he made it, this anonymous person whose name I do not know. He seemed so young, maybe 30, at most, but who knows. All we, who were watching, know is that he was riding a motorcycle and this is what can happen, even if you are wearing your helmet.
I hate to be morose or a worrier – I used to be quite a dare devil. I skied and rode horses, jumped, rode bareback on trails, went backpacking, hiked alone, traveled alone, went on long bike rides alone, but even when I got lost in the mountains, I always seemed to find my way back. Maybe I just had a good sense of direction, or I was lucky.
A lot of people say I drive too fast. I like driving! But I ALWAYS watch for pedestrians, bikers etc. ESPECIALLY when making a right turn on a red light. This can be very dangerous. I think the car was making a right turn and the motorcyclist was going straight –
Cars are huge, heavy, dangerous objects that have no brain or eyes or ears. We need to look out when we are behind the wheel and when we are on our two feet, or two wheels, with or without a motor attached, just trying to get from point A to point B in this huge, crazy, congested city of angles.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? Would you do it again?
Would you want your kid to do it?
What about characters in the books we write – how can we show kids being safe but also adventurous in our stories??
Hi Deborah, I had a similar experience so many years ago on Melrose. A guy passed me on his motorcycle going too fast (drunk) around a turn and when I got around the turn her was down. Thanks for sending me the link to your blog. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awful sight to see and a tragic reminder of how an accident can cut life short. One feels for the family and friends of the rider. I've joined your followers, though anonymously. When I comment, I'll sign. Elizabeth (Warren's cousin)
Gosh, I hope the guy is ok. My husband is a firefighter, and he sees all kinds of tragedies. I drive like a granny for this reason. I just move off to the right and let everyone pass me by.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child I frequently visited my uncle, whose dental laboratory overlooked a busy intersection. I'd sit for hours watching people and traffic. Several times I witnessed people crossing the intersection get struck by cars. It was awful, and the fear of crossing streets has never left me. So I can strongly relate to your story.
ReplyDelete