On an offramp from the freeway, there had been a small accident. Two cars. Probably some bumper damage. No mangled bodies or metal, no blood, no ambulances, no helicopters–nothing but two people who had “dinged” each others cars. This happened on a one lane offramp, just as it was exiting the freeway. What really bothered me was the fact that they were just sitting there, in this lane. They could have easily moved their cars to the shoulder, but instead, they were doing the inspections of the cars right there. Right on a busy offramp (it was normally larger, but there was construction) during rush hour (or, rather, many hours of slow crawling) traffic. I know there was enough room for them to pull to the shoulder, because everyone getting off the freeway via the offramp and to pull around them, thus making it harder to exit the freeway and increasing the chance of other accidents greatly.
And so, here is the deal. First, people have accidents. Plain and simple. We SHOULD have less, but our culture does not actually allow us to work together. That would not be “individualistic,” because of course if you do things for yourself, it automatically means you have to not think about anyone else! (That, for the unaware, is a lesson is sarcasm.) However, if you have a small accident (a “fender bender” if you will) it is NOT the end of the world. The scratch on your bumper is not going to end the existence of everything you hold to be beautiful. Unless, of course, everything you hold to be beautiful is that one, tiny spot on your bumper. Then, I suppose that says something, also.
Also, deal with the others issues off of the road. To the side. Get away from everyone else. You wouldn’t want me walking around to the side of you, peaking over, if you were doing a business transaction would you? Then why do you do that when you get into an accident? Also, if you get out of the way, the chances of someone else hitting you will (I know, shock and dismay!) decrease greatly. But, I suppose, what you really want is someone to sue. Because, that IS the answer after all. Don’t talk, don’t communicate, don’t coexist. Sue, get rich, don’t work, and everyone is your slave. Or something like that.
And, for those who are passing an accident.
DO.
NOT.
GAWK.
Drive your car and get moving. So what if there was an accident? There is going to be another one if you don’t start looking where you are going and concentrate on your driving.
Oh wait, no one really does that anyways, so I suppose that I’m the idiot here then.
Better an idiot who can drive and live for another day, than the dead one who enjoyed their cheeseburger a little too much.