Stepping up

Our fellow citizens step up.

It is all too easy to focus on the raft of negativity that surrounds us.  Certainly there are sufficient causes, regardless of one's views, with which we can take exception.  Many of the backstories for these causes are, truth be told, relative immaterial in comparison to those matters of highest importance.  Against this backdrop, however, when a truly critical incident presents itself, it is very heartening to see how average citizens, strangers to one another, step up.

While returning from running errands this morning, I stopped at a traffic light in our neighborhood.  As the oncoming traffic began moving through the intersection on the green light, a lady in a large SUV ran the opposing red light and violently smashed into a small hybrid car.  In a flash, the hybrid cars spun in circles and the SUV began sliding sideways, tilting and almost turning over (only hitting the curb stopped the rollover).

In a flash, several of us bailed out of our cars and ran to assist the two drivers.  As I helped the female driver of the hybrid, first checking to see if she was injured, another gent ran over to do likewise with the female drive of the SUV.  Another stranger was calling 9-1-1, while three or four others began directing traffic around the smashed vehicles.

Unknown to one another or the drivers, this group of average folks jumped in to help, stepping up when the need arose.  I saw no one simply glance at the accident and turn away.

This willingness to help others in time of crisis is a wonderful trait and may it never leave us.  I only wish it existed in all facets of life.

At least I rest comfortably with the belief that should I experience an emergency, others will come to my aid.  

This story has a relatively good ending.  The accident occurred blocks from the police department and fire station, so first responders were there in moments.  Neither of the drivers required medical attention.  I stayed with the lady who had been driving the hybrid, called her husband, and stayed with her until he arrived.  (In the small world department, her husband and I had actually passed each other earlier in the morning, as I was on a cycling training ride and he was riding his bicycle to work.  We'd even exchanged greetings, as cyclists do.)