Horrific road accident brings back memories – Linda Hall

It also made me think about how differently people react when they are behind the wheel.

I was standing at an intersection waiting to turn right.

I had a clear path to the left and the oncoming car to my right signaled to turn the corner where I was and slowed down. So I looked left again and started driving.

The next moment, the driver on my right was inches away from me with his hand on the horn. I admit I screamed in anger, “YOU HAD YOUR TURN SIGNAL ON.”

They couldn't hear me, but I'm pretty sure they saw my shocked face.

Maybe they wanted to stop after the intersection or didn't notice that their turn signal was on.

My reaction was actually fear. But it brought back a memory. I have thought about this incident many times over the years.

It was a very stressful time in my life. I was standing outside a store when I got a phone call that really upset me. I was crying and just wanted to go home.

I came to an intersection, didn't see the oncoming car and drove off. It was so close and the driver did an incredible job of not seeing me. Luckily, no one was coming towards me.

The driver stopped and so did I. I got out of my car just as a young man got out of his. I was still crying and apologizing that I had just received bad news.

He came up to me and put his arms around me without saying a word. That made me cry even harder. It was one of the best hugs I've ever had in my life.

Instead of reacting to the horror with anger like I did, he responded with empathy and kindness.

I wish I had asked him his name. I can't remember if he even spoke. There was no need. So I learned two things: never drive off when a car signals to turn until you see it actually turning, and curb your anger reaction. That doesn't help anything or anyone.

One last thing about being on the road: people, please don't think you're a good person if you stop to answer your phone and you can't find a safe place to do so.

It is not safe to park on the side of a country road while your car is still half on the road.

Just let your phone ring. It's okay to miss a call.

Remember the days when you couldn't take your phone with you and didn't notice it at home when it kept ringing?

Sometimes silence really is golden.