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Greene County, Indiana ~ Friday, September 5, 2008
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Recuperating from Crash on I-70
Posted Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 12:29 PM
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My wife and I were going to a photography workshop the other day in Indianapolis, but we never made it. While we were on I-70 in the left lane, we became bunched up with vehicles on all sides of us. One of those vehicles was a large RV with a vehicle in tow in the right-hand lane. The 82-year old Ontario driver soon decided he wanted our lane instead of slowing down for traffic coming on to the interstate from the exit, forcing us off the road and making me lose control of the vehicle. Ultimately, we slammed into a guard rail.

There are 1,001 little things that could have made everything much different that day, but my wife and I came away with only cuts, bruises, some abrasions, and a whole lot of soreness and pain. I know I feel like an entire professional baseball team took up batting practice all up and down the left side of my body. But even that is much better than the alternatives. In fact, the EMTs who arrived on the scene were shocked that we weren't hurt much, much worse considering we broke off 5 guard rail posts clean.

Special thanks to everyone who stopped to see if we were okay. Many people these days would have just driven on, but this affirms there are still good people in the world. I also want to thank the police for chasing down the RV and ticketing him for improper lane change. When they stopped him, he said he didn't even know there had been a wreck. Can you believe that?!

Photos of the car after the accident can be seen on my wife's photography blog located at:

http://www.jenniferwathen.com/

It's pretty amazing that we weren't hurt much worse. I know while many of you may be considering down-sizing vehicles for fuel economy, I know I will be researching crash test results for before I buy another vehicle.


Comments
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Had the same thing happen to me once. I was going (lets just say a little over the speed limit)... And an RV figured that he wanted the left lane as well. Well after driving about an 1/8 of a mile with one set of tires in the grass and the other just on the shoulder of the road he saw me and pulled back over. When I passed him he gave me a look like it was all my fault. The Lord was taking care of me or it would have been a bad day. So I just waved at him and went on down the road. I had been beside him for probably 3-4 min before he just pushed me off the road. I was driving a Ram 4X4. One reason I like larger cars. I like the safe feeling in them. Good luck on your with the SUV... :)

-- Posted by Bigballer on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 8:58 AM

Kathy: It was a Cavalier.

deano: Yes, she was wearing her seatbelt. We're trying to figure out what the malfunction was.

Everyone: Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words.

-- Posted by chriswathen on Sun, Apr 27, 2008, at 10:33 AM

Frightening...glad you both made it out ok.

-- Posted by virginia is for lovers on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 2:03 PM

Did Jennifer have a seat belt fastened? Sounds like she didn't if she was thrown into the back seat.

-- Posted by deano on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:56 AM

old people should not be alowed to drive.

-- Posted by america on Sun, Apr 20, 2008, at 1:16 AM

OMG...that is a miracle!! Glad you are ok! You may have had some divine intervention in that one!?

I'm printing off your blog to show to a few elderly relatives who should have long ago stopped getting behind the wheel and a few other loved ones who think as long as they are driving 'safely' they are safe on the roads.

Can't drive too defensively, I guess!

-- Posted by STILLHOPEFUL on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, at 8:25 PM

Chris - after seeing the pictures of the wreck, it is amazing that you and your wife were not more seriously injured! WOW. What kind of car is that?? I too would want to make sure of crash test results! p.s. your wife is a wonderful photographer! Glad you're alright. Kathy

-- Posted by Kathy on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, at 12:51 PM


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Riddle Me This
Chris Wathen
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