Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Who doesn't know this traditional holiday carol that we've sung since our childhood? Did you know that it was not written for Christmas? It was written for a Thanksgiving program put on by a Sunday school choir around 1857. Well it is now year 2022 and very few, if any, of us travel around in a horse drawn carriage or sleigh. Certainly, snow is a rarity here in Houston. The second verse goes:
"He got into a drifted bank
and then we got upsot"
We do, however, like to get out on the roadways and travel during the ever-lengthening holiday season, which segues into my post for this month. In today's vernacular, we got into a car accident. In our haste to get to the mall, grandma's house, meet up with friends, and still have time for work, we often times let our guard down while on the roadways. It is, on the other hand, a time to slow down and be more cautious. While driving, we should just assume that another driver is going to run through a stop sign or red light. We should assume that another driver will be turning or changing lanes without signaling. Watch out for impaired drivers as well. It is not uncommon for folks to be filled with too much holiday "cheer".
So you are doing all the right things and keeping safe. Great!! Then while on your journey you encounter an accident that has happened. What should you do? That depends. It depends upon if first responders (i.e. law enforcement or fire/ambulance) are on the scene. Let's say that they are. Then look for someone directing traffic and follow their commands. If no one is directing traffic around the accident scene, pass on the opposite side of the road if, and only if, you can do it safely without being a hinderance to the first responders. If not, reroute your trip and give the accident scene its space.
Ok, so what if you come upon an accident that has just happened, say seconds ago? No first responders in sight. First above all, call 9-1-1 with the exact location, description of vehicles, and any other information that the call taker may need. Get the professionals in route as quickly as possible. If you need to stop your vehicle, do so out of the moving lane of traffic. Unless you are a trained first responder, it is best that you do not approach the vehicles or victims. Moving an injured person and exacerbating the injuries may expose you to a lawsuit. It's happened. You are better off staying on the line with the 9-1-1 call taker and being that person's eyes on the scene. When first responders arrive, tell them what you know. Be brief! If a statement is needed from you, they will ask you to wait around. Otherwise, they are the professionals. This is what they train hours to do. You've done your part so just continue on your merry way. That brings me to the third verse of the song which gave me a chuckle:
"A day or two ago,
The story I must tell
I went out on the snow,
And on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh,
He laughed as there I sprawling lie,
But quickly drove away"
Passing by a fresh accident and doing nothing is irresponsible. Please do not assume that someone else has already phoned it. Being a hinderance to first responders is not good either. It all comes down to common sense.
Have a joyous and safe holidays!
Until next time,
Brian Havran