Have you met a good Samaritan on the highway?

Question

Back to that flat again. When I pulled off the interstate onto the exit ramp and pulled over to the outside edge of the shoulder and walked to a phone, I was passed by probably 30 cars during my trek. Not one stopped to ask a granny type walking along the shoulder with her car a half-mile behind, emergency flashers blinking, if she needed help or a ride or to offer a cell phone call for her. I think that surprised me more than anything, even the flat tire!

CJ -- It did end much better. See my question on kids knowing best.

Justme -- I didn't want or need help with the tire. I was on my way to a phone to call AAA, our roadside assistance provider. I was just surprised no one offered a lift, or asked if I wanted them to call someone.

Harley Lady -- What a heartwarming story! That is truly what it's all about, isn't it? Trust and unselfishness.

Tinman -- That's spooky and wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

Answer 1

Yes, many times. Once before I had a cell phone my car broke down in the countryside. I went to start walking and this pit bull came charging at me from an open fence. I jumped up on the hood then to the top of my car. I was only sitting there five minutes when a man driving a farm truck with an open back pulled next to me and asked if i wanted to jump in the back and he would drive me to where i wanted. Let me say first that he did not ask me to get in with him, I wouldn't advise that. So i got in the back and he dropped me off. I help people often,and i think if people just put themselves in anothers shoes,they would at least call a tow truck or something. I'm glad things worked out OK for you later. Do not be disheartened, it is not so much that people don't care about strangers anymore, it is just they are so busy. They don't make an effort to make the time to do the little things that,at the end of your life,you'll be glad you did, such as helping others in need, reading stories with your children,even as small as pushing your grocery cart back to the store if you are able. I may be in my 30's but I appreciate the chances i have to help others. Don't worry :we are still out there.

Answer 2

after breaking down outside of Flagstaff AZ and the truckers whizzing by @ 75 miles per hour and ignoring our calls for someone to please call the highway patrol, on the CB and all the truckers warning each other there's a camper @ the side of the road and yet not helping, ..2 hours later a lady trucker said she would call the police for us..a few minutes later a trucker going the opposite way radioed that the state police were on their way..
We in turn a few years later were stopped on a highway with a few hundred other cars, or so it seemed, for quite a while due to an accident..when ladies from other cars began to ask if they could use the RV bathroom..we had a small parade going in and out of our 5th wheeler..glad we had the facilities to share..

Answer 3

Yes, fortunately.

I used to drive old cars (before the advent of cell phones) and many times have gotten help.

However, my favorite story happened a few years ago, in my not so old car. My mechanic had just told me of a repair that I needed, but said that I could drive a little while with nothing to worry about.

Well, I was stopped in a left hand turn lane on a country road that was rather dark, waiting to turn when my car just died, and there I sat with my blinkers on and no cell phone. As I was sitting there, had no time to panic and just beginning to think what I was going to do, a truck pulled up beside me and the man inside asked me if I needed help. It was an off duty tow truck driver!

He quickly pulled my car off the road so we could decide what to do next. When I told him that my AAA coverage had just expired, he offered to let me call my husband and wait while he picked me up and then he towed my car to the closest auto shop.

What an angel! Thats what it felt like.

Answer 4

My husband has always stopped to help people with car trouble and most of the time he gets them on their way as he has always done his own car maintenance. One day, he came across someone with a flat on the side of a busy main artery and offered assistance but was turned down and rather rudely at that by a man! He continues to offer help but where we live it is getting very iffy when it comes to stopping any more. Hope Santa brings us a cell phone.

Answer 5

Yes I have. In Nebraska. A number of times in Nebraska, really. The biggest one was when I was driving and my car caught on fire. Funny and wonderful thing about Nebraska......I seriously doubt 2 cars pass that someone doesn't stop. Where I lived it wasn't like a 1/4 mile walk and something would be there......it was miles and miles for any sign of life. I was in what they fondly called the "black hole" because even if you had a cell phone....it wouldn't work. A wonderful Fed-Ex guy stopped. Knew there was nothing he could do, but help me get what I could out of the car first........drive to where he could get reception and call for help.....then came back and watched my car burn while we waited for help. Stayed to make statements and made sure I could get back to some place of civilization. Got to ride back on the fire truck to the towns station and they ( the firemen) waited for someone to come and pick me up before they went home. Even called later to check in on me.

Where I live now.....I could be stranded....a 1000 cars would drive by and ignore me.....my only attention would be to get cussed out by someone on a cell phone not bothering to call anyone.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, that is the problem today. 30 - 40 Years ago, people would have helped. I, would not have a clue how to change a tire, I probably should, but that is me.

I'm glad it had a good ending, because it is not a nice experience at all.

I thank God for the good Samaritans He has sent across my path, and there are still good people out there. They were just not on the same road as you today.

Answer 7

Believe it or not, there are 1000's & 1000's of good samaritans out there, it's just that they are members of helping org. Like Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, etc.
True! Hard to find a helping hand at the side of the road, but that is due to crime etc. In this day and age, we can't be too careful. You find more Samaritans on country roads then interstates.
Sorry you had to experience that.

Answer 8

My boyfriend's bike broke down this past summer. He had a gentleman stop and offer help. It seemed the two of them lived less than 10 miles apart. The guy went home and hooked up his trailer and came back for my boyfriend. Then, he allowed my boyfriend take his nice truck and trailer home for the night, because this guy had plans and had to go on from where we were.I was amazed at the guy's kindness to complete strangers.

Answer 9

With crime the way it is, I would be afraid to get into someones car these days. Thats when a cell phone comes in handy. I went to the ER weeks ago, the starter in my car went, not one person offered to help me. The only conculation was I spoke with the security guard and he let me leave the car overnight until it copuld be towed.. The car is sitting in my driveway now

until I can get it repaired....

Answer 10

We haven't been in the need of help but my husband has often stopped to offer help. Now that he is physically not able to help we will offer a cell phone to call for help and a warm car to wait.