LETTER: Think before you honk – someone might need help

The WSB Forums are the usual place for standalone first-person rants/raves/opinions not linked to WSB news stories. But Jeannette‘s e-mail troubled us enough on multiple levels that we decided to share it here on the front page:

I was in an accident on Friday July 24th around 9 a.m at the intersection of Admiral and California. My new car of 4 days was rear-ended by a big construction-size dump truck while I was stopped at a red light.

The truck pushed me out a bit and I was hit in such a way that it was hard to move the car right away, I tried to get it together to get the car out of the way, and pull to the side. In doing this I was shocked at how many West Seattleites honked their horn sometimes leaning on it for me to get it out of the way. I couldn’t move and couldn’t drive very well and needed help; my car was badly damaged so it was obvious it was bad. Not one person stopped to see if they could help me in some way. I would do that in a heartbeat.

I have lived in W.S for 16 years and thought of it as a community, not so much right now. I needed an ambulance to take me to the hospital and am still in shock over all the people’s reactions, that I seemed to have interrupted their day.

I was hoping I could post to remind people to think of others and stop for a few minutes to help those that need it. 5 minutes won’t kill anyone. I can’t imagine driving by an accident like that and not stopping to offer assistance.

(We asked Jeannette how she’s doing now: Out of the hospital, she said, but still with a lot of neck and back pain.)

43 Replies to "LETTER: Think before you honk - someone might need help"

  • Trileigh July 26, 2015 (6:08 pm)

    Jeanette, I am so very, very sorry that this happened to you. How terrible. And WSB, thank you for sharing this story with such an important reminder to all of us – helping someone out is much more important than our own hurry.

    Take care and I hope your healing is quick and smooth.

  • Vincent Dakotah Langley July 26, 2015 (6:17 pm)

    I really can’t believe this either, Jeanette! I once came upon an automobile accident up in the north Seattle area that had occurred at a quite busy intersection on Aurora Avenue, North. It was obvious that people were trapped inside of two different automobiles. From one of the wrecked automobiles, gasoline was starting to run on the street, out from under that automobile. A lady in that vehicle looked at me with a face that just seemed to plead for my help! so, without hesitation, I began to try my best to bend the driver’s side door off from her automobile, trying to get her out of there and to safety. Luckily, there was no fire, the leaking gasoline on the street as a result of this accident never did ignite, thank God! I finally did get this lady out of that wrecked automobile and carried her about 50 feet way to safety and laid her down on a strip of lawn that was between the sidewalk and the street. Around that time, the police and the fire department had begin to show up, so, of course, I then got out of their way and let them take over at the scene of this accident. Before the first responders showed up at this accident, I remember (this happened back in the 1970’s), I was the only one who got out of my automobile and was trying to help the people who were involved in this accident! People were yelling at me to get the ____ out of the way, they were flipping me the middle finger as they tried to go by and things of that nature! I wasn’t trying to be some kind of a hero in this long ago incident. On the other hand, I was just trying my best, anyway, to help other human-beings, other than myself. I couldn’t really believe most-all people for this back then and I still can’t believe it today, either. …What else can I say? To this very day in my own life, though, I’m really very glad and happy that I did what I did on that day now long ago. I wouldn’t do it any other way, either, even if there had been a fire and I was burned in that fire or whatever…

  • kim July 26, 2015 (6:23 pm)

    I’m so sorry. I would’ve stopped, I promise. I stop for people in crosswalks, to grab loose dogs in traffic, for any bird moving too slowly. This just sounds awful all around: and a new car. However, I cannot say I’m surprised. Every day brings a new spate of awful, impatient, hyped-up jerks the road, racing to god-knows-where, giving me smug looks for stopping for pedestrians or not driving their preferred speed limit. It’s every day. Very few people are making full stops at the stops signs (scaring me as they run right over the line), and some aren’t stopping at all.
    But, please know I would have stopped for you, my children would have stopped for you, and I know others will affirm our feelings of frustration that that didn’t occur.
    Heal quickly!

  • CanDo July 26, 2015 (6:32 pm)

    Jeannette, I am so sorry this happened to you. Let me apologize on behalf of all the jerks out there who were so self-involved they couldn’t take a moment to see if something might be wrong. I hope you are doing better and please know that there are still a bunch of us out here in West Seattle who would have stopped to help, had we been in the area. Hope you heal quickly… hugs and warm thoughts to you.

  • Manolita July 26, 2015 (6:33 pm)

    Jeannette, I am truly sorry you were in an accident. It must be terrible to be in that situation and on top of that have your neighbors honking and showing no compassion towards someone in need. I hope you get well soon

  • Jason July 26, 2015 (6:50 pm)

    Sorry to hear about this. I’m not trying to defend people’s behavior but I like to assume it was not obvious to the other vehicles that Jeannette had just been in an accident. As someone that lives and works (therefore commutes) in West Seattle, it’s getting harder each day to drive here. There are multiple road construction projects between any two points, bus lanes where car lanes used to be, less parking, and I guess at some point turn signals went completely out of style.
    .
    Again, I’m not trying to defend people not stopping, I am pretty sure I would have stopped had I known the situation as well, and I think most people in West Seattle would stop or at least not honk if they realized someone was hurt or had just been in an accident, then again I could be wrong.
    .
    Unfortunately driving around here has been getting more difficult every day so a lot of people seem to be on edge. I hope you’re feeling better Jeannette.

  • AJP July 26, 2015 (6:54 pm)

    I’m so sorry this happened to you! I almost always get out and help. I was driving through Georgetown a couple years ago and people were honking at a stalled car stuck in traffic, so I pulled over (I was six months pregnant, too) and helped push the woman to safety. As I started pushing another guy came and helped. But people were STILL honking at us. Despicable.

  • Dee July 26, 2015 (7:00 pm)

    Sorry to hear about the accident you were involved in and I wish you a speedy recovery! I have lived in West Seattle for roughly 12 years and have the same attitude re the sense of community living here. I am also sorry to hear that so many people did not react the way you and I would have when it’s obvious that someone (you) needed help. It’s unfortunate that we are living in a time where people have become so desensitized. Not all of us are that way. Be well and I am thankful the only real damage was done to your car and not you.

  • JayDee July 26, 2015 (7:02 pm)

    Jeannette:
    I go to work much earlier, but am surprised by those who try to rush to the head of the line starting at California and Admiral when I have to drive to work. I am sorry that our neighbors felt so inconvenienced that they couldn’t have helped or at least not made it worse by honking. I hope you get better soon.

    We will all get to the bridge/freeway within seconds of one another, so just chill people.

  • CJ July 26, 2015 (7:06 pm)

    I’m so glad you’re okay. That people did not recognize the accident for what it was and respond appropriately is very troublesome. It also brings back memory of the time my car broke down right on the curve of the Admiral Viewpoint many years ago and I received the same response- angry honking and no help. Please take heart that there are still those that would have helped without hesitation although unfortunately nobody of that calibur was at California and Admiral that day :(

  • Daniel July 26, 2015 (7:06 pm)

    Jeannette,
    First and foremost I hope that you are all well and have a speedy physically and emotional recovery. That being said I just want to apologize on behalf of the inconsiderate people who not only honk the horn but lean for so long. When someone is in an accident you would think someone would stop just for a second and make sure things are okay. At least I would. I remember once a disabled person had unfortunately been hit by a car near the Delridge Library in West Seattle and I was about three cars away with none of the cars moving. And instead of getting mad and honking I peaked over and seen what has a seemed a guy who has been hit by a car lying on the ground bleeding profusely. Me being an ER RN at Harborview the least I thought I can do was pull over and call an ambulance for the poor guy. Long story short we all should be more attentive before we push that horn. And if possible please help at least by asking if everything’s alright. Most people are followers and tend to help once someone else has jumped in. But of course some people are busy or light hearted and wouldn’t be a good option for them to help and that’s why I say if possible. I support your letter and wish the best of luck to you Jeannette.

  • iggy July 26, 2015 (7:21 pm)

    And where was the driver of the dump truck that hit this poor lady??? Didn’t he stop, call medics, whatever needed to be done.

  • Eric July 26, 2015 (7:25 pm)

    Wow, the self centeredness and callousness of some people is absolutely astounding

  • I've watched it get worse over the years July 26, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    People of WS read this and take it to heart. Be civil. Want to honk and be an ass then move to NYC.

  • jeannette July 26, 2015 (8:00 pm)

    Thank you all so much..wish you all were driving by!! Driver of the dump truck stopped, called 911 and to my understanding was fired on the spot over the phone. I’m better..pain pills help :) Thank you for your well wishes!

  • Interrobang July 26, 2015 (8:16 pm)

    An unfortunate way to bring awareness to something that’s so important (especially if people are so distracted giving dirty looks and honking that they aren’t focusing on their surroundings…)
    I’m so sorry this happened to you Jeannette, even moreso for the reactions that others displayed. I hope you’re on the mend and you heal quickly.

  • Northwest July 26, 2015 (8:49 pm)

    Thanks for posting this WSB and it’s unfortunate the individual in the accident had to go thru this and be treated poorly by others in my hometown. I am a card carrying west seattle native now into my 40s as I am occasionally out walking and cycling it’s definitely changed around here and one has to look out. I am one who does not welcome the change and growth here but despite that I drive thinking of others when it’s prudent and don’t try and let my emotions go haywire when situations occur. I also don’t have to drive big long commutes morning and evening. There are others out there who do and I need to be aware of them. As far as getting out and helping when it’s safe to do so I will always lend a hand I find myself calling in when I see stalled cars along the freeway with passengers inside. I naturally am forward thinking and do reach out to help others when possible please see where you can do the same. Best of luck on recovery.

  • CMP July 26, 2015 (9:14 pm)

    I was in an accident a bit ago and someone had the nerve to drive by and tell me to move my car out of the intersection so people could get through. After going through that experience, I would certainly stop to help someone because it’s daunting being in that situation, especially if you’re alone. If you can’t tell if anyone has assisted yet, be kind and take a few minutes out of your day to help the victims, even if it means just standing there telling them it’ll be okay. They’ll feel comforted and it’ll make you feel like a better human being too.

  • Rachel July 26, 2015 (9:58 pm)

    I am sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately it has also happened to me in West Seattle at CA and Edmonds. My car just died at the light and no one did anything but honk until I waved them around me. It always feels worse too when you are by yourself!

  • ChefJoe July 26, 2015 (10:48 pm)

    It sounds like Jeanette’s incident was pretty involved and had significant damage and help sounds like it was in short supply, which is regrettable.

    It’s also important to remember that the state has some pretty clear guidelines on what you’re to try to do following an accident. A minor fender-bender doesn’t need to park itself in the middle of the high bridge waiting for police to arrive. A few cell phone photos of the cars at the scene, each other’s drivers license, and then agreeing to move to where it’s safe to have further discussions are reasonable steps to clear accidents less severe than what it sounds like happened here.

    http://www.dmv.org/wa-washington/accident-guide/
    If you’re involved in a car accident, there are certain procedures to follow, contingent, of course, on the extent of the collision.

    Don’t flee. Gather your wits and assess. Try to move your vehicle from the road. This helps prevent another accident and allows emergency vehicles easier access.

    • WSB July 27, 2015 (12:48 am)

      And again, for anyone who skipped to the comments, she wrote very specifically that she was more or less incapacitated. As many might be following a crash, even if not seriously injured, which is why it’s easy to say “hey, move along, nothing bad happened here” when you’re not the person to whom it happened. Hard to think clearly with adrenaline running high …

  • jeannette July 27, 2015 (5:27 am)

    Thank you WSB for posting, and again to everyone being so supportive.

  • Mike July 27, 2015 (6:14 am)

    Having been in a accident big enough to total a vehicle, I can honestly say she was probably in shock and it takes a bit to gather yourself together. The part I don’t see is where the dump truck driver that hit her helped her…did they? That person should have been the primary person to give her assistance.

  • Melissa July 27, 2015 (6:54 am)

    Jeanette, I’m so sorry for other’s reactions when you were in such a scary, vulnerable spot. I’m happy to bring by a meal or do some cleaning, if you need anything like that. Please message me at melissa at thekitchenimp dot com. I hope you heal well and heal quickly.

  • BeachBoy July 27, 2015 (7:08 am)

    Boy, with all the construction going on in Seattle these days, they must be scraping the bottom of the barrel for drivers and coming up with morons. I was rear-ended by a construction dump truck at the intersection of Dexter & Mercer last Thursday! At first he tried to go around and drive away until I caught him at the next light and told him that he had rear-ended me and if he didn’t pull over, I’d call the police and report him for hit-and-run!

  • anonyme July 27, 2015 (7:12 am)

    So disgusting. I’m sorry this happened. Driving on our streets has become a dangerous prospect; I don’t even like being in a car as a passenger any more.

  • Bonnie July 27, 2015 (7:48 am)

    I’m sorry that happened to you. A few months ago I pulled out of my garage and onto our side street and my car quit working. I had to put it back in gear to start it again. It took all of 15 seconds. In that time a NEIGHBOR of mine got behind me and honked and honked and then went around me all angry. What? I had my kid in my car. Car was fine, it’s just old. I just couldn’t believe a neighbor driving down our street would act that way. Not very neighborly.

  • Mr Elliott July 27, 2015 (7:58 am)

    This morning I awoke to a car in the alley with its doors open, which is odd at 5:30. Turns out the car was reported stolen a block away and was somehow abandoned in the alley. The car looked like it was stripped clean of whatever could be sold or pawned. A neighbor offered to help jump the car, and everyone is coming together to ask if the victim is all right. It’s not at the level of what Jeanette experienced – my deepest sympathies to our neighbors’ apathy – but I’d like to think there is still enough good folks in WS to outweigh the bad.

  • Born on Alki 59 July 27, 2015 (8:24 am)

    Jeanette, wishing you a speedy recovery. As for the recent influx of d-bag drivers who are rude, I will not apologize for their bad behavior. They do not represent most Seattleites. Please take your horns, BMW’s, Audi’s and Range Rovers back to Bellevue and stay there. What has happened to common courtesy these days?

  • Mike July 27, 2015 (11:38 am)

    “Please take your horns, BMW’s, Audi’s and Range Rovers back to Bellevue and stay there.” wow, biased much?

  • G July 27, 2015 (12:05 pm)

    Not surprised by this atrocious behavior, and frankly I’m not sure why others are. I simply don’t drive when I come back to town, I’d rather put up with surly bus drivers.

  • Kimmy July 27, 2015 (1:41 pm)

    A good reminder for all of us to think before we honk (especially me) and help when possible regardless if the person is originally from California, has a kid in the car, lives in Bellevue, recently moved to WS, rents an expensive apartment where an old craftsman used to be, works for Amazon, votes for a candidate you don’t like, is a cat owner, lights off fireworks on the 4th, or drives an Audi.

  • Born on Alki 59 July 27, 2015 (1:45 pm)

    Mike, I worked in Bellvwaah for many years. Without a doubt the most inconsiderate, rude and obnoxious drivers in Washington state. So yes, I’m a little biased. I see this all too frequently in WS now. No driving courtesy whatsoever.

  • Johnston July 27, 2015 (6:02 pm)

    Jeannette. I am also sorry to hear of this incident, and hope you recover fully. I get the honking thing too; a few months ago my car had an engine sensor fail as I was coming up the hill from the bridge to Fauntleroy. My car still ran, but went into “limp home mode”. I couldn’t pull off because of where I was; I couldn’t go more than 20 mph and my best solution was to just get up the hill and pull off as soon as I could. Moved right, 4 way flashers on. Before I could pull off, I was honked at 4 times and flipped off once!

    Mr. Road-Rage? I’m so sorry to inconvenience you, but my car is broken and I think my inconvenience trumps yours!

    Take care Jeannette, and everybody take some deep breaths!

    ~J

  • rundmc July 27, 2015 (6:04 pm)

    So sorry this happened to you. I once was driving up from the west seattle gym on yancy and Avalon and a car coming down Avalon was smashed by a car making an illegal turn from 30th onto Avalon – took off after running into the other car so fiercely that the car it hit spun around in 360 degree circle. I immediately pulled over and jumped out to help the person hit and others ran across the street to help too and to provide the license plate of the car that hit and ran.

    That’s community and one of the reasons I love W.Seattle. I still think that community is here, but there’s a major influx of Californians who bring a wealth of bad driving behavior to the roads. (I know – I lived in the bay area for 5 years and one of the reasons I left was because every day on the road felt like Mad Max.)

  • G July 27, 2015 (6:56 pm)

    rundmc,

    Northern Cal must be different from SoCal, because I’ve been pleasantly surprised – in general – with drivers here on the road. They seem much more willing to help you get out of a tight jam on the road than WA drivers who seem to have this vindictive edge to them.

  • rundmc July 27, 2015 (10:39 pm)

    G: It may have changed as I lived in the bay area in late 80’s to early 90’s but my experience driving there was bad enough that I gave up driving a car when I moved to the east coast for 15 years. Only bought a car once I moved out here to seattle 8 years ago. Things were fine when we first moved here, but are certainly getting hairier. I know correlation is not causation, but I read the articles about so many Californians moving to Seattle and preferring W. Seattle, and I gotta wonder . . . .

  • AL July 27, 2015 (11:42 pm)

    So sorry to hear this! Not surprised with the influx of rude behavior that has come to WS. It’s to bad- our WS community is changing. Please people be respectful on the road and help keep this community special! Hope your recovery is speedy Jeanette.

  • Kristi July 30, 2015 (5:51 pm)

    Jeanette, so VERY sorry for what you are going through, I hope you get better soon.

    Once I was crossing the WS bridge heading east when the box spring of a mattress came flying straight at me from a pick up truck and got lodged under the front of my car, right at the crest of the bridge. I was in the middle lane (before the bus lane was installed) and could not move, this was years before cell phones. Cars raced by on either side of me, honking and flipping me off. It was not safe for me to get out of my car. Fortunately a kind man stopped on my right and blocked the traffic behind him, so we could have two lanes to try to unhook the mattress from under my car which was wrenched pretty solid. Another man in a truck also stopped and helped. That man even took the mattress away. It was very distressing and unexpected that a mattress came flying at me and that drivers were so rude. In fact, other drivers continued to honk and make noises and gestures at all of us until we left. But I was so grateful for the men who stopped to help, there are nice people in the world.

  • Kimmy July 31, 2015 (1:38 pm)

    Driving in NorCal is a dream. I miss it dearly.

  • carl July 31, 2015 (11:20 pm)

    Then why are you here? And what part of norcal is a dream? The bay Area is a nightmare. ~~~ I’ve noticed a sea change in driving/parking/etc in the past six months for the negative for some reason.

  • i'mcoveredinbees August 1, 2015 (12:08 pm)

    This is a good wake up call for me. I am an impatient driver as it is getting increasingly infuriating to drive in West Seattle. I don’t, however, honk at people unless I can see that they are spaced out on a phone. Even minor accidents, more minor than this one, can cause shock. I was in a very small fender bender years ago on a big freeway and had shock. We all need to work harder to be more patient and to remember that there are people inside those other cars!

  • LS August 1, 2015 (9:52 pm)

    I am so sorry for your having to endure the terrible behavior of other drivers after your accident. People seem to not realize that using one’s horn because of inconvenience/impatience is not only horribly inconsiderate, but is actually illegal. Not that many would care, but some might. I stopped that practice years ago. Check out RCW 46.37.380″
    “Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms.
    (1)) ….The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation give audible warning with his or her horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.”

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