I’m all for playing by the rules, but sometimes there’s a higher calling.
I was running late for lunch today, and on top of that I missed an exit, forcing me to drive to the next light. The line on the left was shorter, so naturally I took that, not noticing a guy who was placing a triangle behind his van.
As I rolled my window down and waved, he asked if I had jump-start cables.
If there is something I always keep in the trunk, that’s a pair of lengthy jump-start cables, and I decided to stop and help as that lane was closed anyway.
The guy was distraught, as his commercial van was loaded with groceries, but there was no way for me to help him by being behind his van. Traffic was merging into the right turn lane, slowing down, then moving to the front of the van. He had no AAA or other emergency service to call and his van’s battery was dead.
Other drivers slowed down, shook their head, then moved on for the few seconds it took me to realize that I absolutely *had* to break the rules this time.
So I got into my car, backed up a bit, then merged onto the right turn lane and parked right next to the van, within reaching distance of its battery.
We were now blocking both lanes exiting to the left; some drivers moved around us or straight past the light, and I placed the clips onto the two batteries, then started my car. The juice from my battery traveled to the van, that started after just a couple of tries.
The guy was happy and I had done the good deed of the day, and those inconvenienced were only so for about five minutes.
If I hadn’t broken the rules, someone would have been sitting stranded for a good hour or more, blocking an entire lane, while their produce decayed.
Moral of the story: take charge when you have to, even if you break the rules; and always keep a pair of jump-start cables in your trunk.
Happy Good Friday!
I always carry jumper cables and flares in my car. I go through 5 or 6 flares a year, but it is good to lend a hand to a random stranger when they are in distress. I’ve been offered money for helping people on numerous occasions, but I would never take it.
What takes me 5 minutes of my time really helps someone when they are in the need of it the most… I’m glad to know you do the same thing.
Wow, people helping other’s, thought those day’s were gone. Here in los angeles most would honk and or flip you the bird.
Nice going.
kd – Jumper cables are a must 😀 And a ‘thank you’ goes a long way.
brand – We’re a bit more laid back here in Florida 😀 Noone honked but I did the whole process in 5 minutes flat. All this because I missed an exit. Feels good helping someone in need.