It only takes a second....

[seldomseensmith]

Hey all,

Been a long while since I posted, mostly because I haven't had much new to say or offer. But I'm going to make one last post to offer a cautionary tale of how things can change suddenly and dramatically all through no fault of ones own.

I was returning home from a trip to Colorado last Saturday, driving along U.S. Highway 160. At the time I was just cruising along, doing the speed limit and observing all of the rules of the road. As most people know, driving the speed limit is never enough for others with whom we share the highway, so I am constantly being passed by other vehicles with some frequency.

Right after 12:00 noon, a car began to pass me on a straight and level 2 lane section of the highway. What the driver of this car did not realize until it was too late was that the vehicle behind it had also decided to pass. 3 cars going the same direction cannot occupy the same space on a 2 lane road, and when the driver in the middle saw what was happening she swerved violently in my direction, hitting my truck with enough force to spin me around. I slid across both lanes and onto the shoulder, where soft sand caused me to roll onto the passenger side.

Fortunately, despite the speed and force of the crash I suffered no discernible injury. I cannot say the same for the truck and camper.

I don't know for certain that the truck is totaled, but I suspect it will be more expensive to repair than what the insurance company is willing to pay. The camper is unquestionably destroyed, and that loss will be harder to calculate. I am now in the unenviable position of trying to get the at fault driver's insurance to admit their liability and assess the cost.

Whatever I might receive in money cannot replace what has been lost, and I am understandably upset at being forced into a situation in which I had no choice or chance to avoid. Yes, I know it could have been worse, and I'm grateful to be alive. But in a very real sense I am experiencing almost as much pain and suffering as if I had been injured.

In any event, I would never wish this on anyone else, but know for a certainty that you can do everything right, make no mistakes, pay your bills on time, have a clean conscience, and do all in your power to live a good life - it doesn't matter. Some idiot can still take it all away from you.

[Terryallan]

jimh425 wrote:
I wish I lived in your black/white world that some of you guys live in sometimes. Other times, I'm glad I don't.

Not saying this is the OP scenario, but stay with me ... BTW, you could just as well put any speed close to 60 in these scenarios. A person going 57 is still "legal". What do you think the experience is like for those behind you in each of these cases? Maybe you don't care.

Let's say you are driving a modern diesel pickup. That generally means you can out accelerate almost every vehicle on the road even with TC. At least, you can accelerate fast enough that it is hard to pass without exceeding the speed limit. You could be someone who slows down in each curve to follow the "guidance" for that curve, and prevent others from going the speed limit during the entire distance. Then, on the straight away you rightly accelerate. After all, you don't want to go "too" slow.

Then, there is the obvious. You think you are going the speed limit, but your speedometer is actually indicating a few miles per hour faster than your actual speed. You could very well think you are going the speed limit, but actually, you are not. Maybe based on your eyesight, you think you are going 60, but you are actually going 59. How is someone reasonably going to pass in that scenario without exceeding the speed limit?

I believe all of the states out West have impeding laws probably to deal with some of these scenarios. BTW, I'm not breaking any laws by letting people pass me when I'm the slow one. I appreciate consideration when I'm the one following in a faster vehicle.

I have been driving, and passing slower vehicles on single lane roads for 45 years. NOt ONCE have I been cited for going over the speedlimit while passing another vehicle. It is pretty well expected. so you can get out, get by, and back in soon as possible. However once past. You have to slow down back to the speedlimit.

As for your faster car, and thinking that you just have to pass a vehicle running the speedlimit. You should have left home earlier.
I will not pull over while running the speedlimit, to allow YOU to break the speedlimit. And BTW. Our mountain roads don't have pullovers, and the speedlimt is usually in the 25 to 35 MPH range.

[jimh406]

I wish I lived in your black/white world that some of you guys live in sometimes. Other times, I'm glad I don't.

Not saying this is the OP scenario, but stay with me ... BTW, you could just as well put any speed close to 60 in these scenarios. A person going 57 is still "legal". What do you think the experience is like for those behind you in each of these cases? Maybe you don't care.

Let's say you are driving a modern diesel pickup. That generally means you can out accelerate almost every vehicle on the road even with TC. At least, you can accelerate fast enough that it is hard to pass without exceeding the speed limit. You could be someone who slows down in each curve to follow the "guidance" for that curve, and prevent others from going the speed limit during the entire distance. Then, on the straight away you rightly accelerate. After all, you don't want to go "too" slow.

Then, there is the obvious. You think you are going the speed limit, but your speedometer is actually indicating a few miles per hour faster than your actual speed. You could very well think you are going the speed limit, but actually, you are not. Maybe based on your eyesight, you think you are going 60, but you are actually going 59. How is someone reasonably going to pass in that scenario without exceeding the speed limit?

I believe all of the states out West have impeding laws probably to deal with some of these scenarios. BTW, I'm not breaking any laws by letting people pass me when I'm the slow one. I appreciate consideration when I'm the one following in a faster vehicle.

[Powerdude]

Wow that sucks. Looks horrible.

At least you walked away in one piece.

I would seriously go after the person and their insurance company with every attack dog lawyers I could think of.

These people need to be taught a lesson, and the only lesson that they will ever learn is with their pocketbook.

Remember, insurance companies have no morals. They are simply in it for the money. Hit them where it hurts the most, in their money pile.

Don't expect sympathy from an insurance company. Sympathy costs money.

[SidecarFlip]

seldomseensmith wrote:
Here she is at the tow yard.... The passenger side did not suffer as much but the truck bed is crunched near the cab. You can see near the rear where the other vehicle hit me to initiate the slide.



Incidentally I believe (no concrete evidence of course) that the camper actually kept the truck from rolling over completely - more surface area to overcome the momentum of the vehicle as it hit the softer sand on the shoulder.

Couple things come to mind (not the incident itself, but the disposition of th unit as far as salvage...

Did you contact Hallmark? Reason I ask is, I would assume the interior components are intact (fridge, electrical and sanitary) and could probably be reused in a new unit. I wonder if Hallmark could transfer your useable components to a new camper or if they would. That would save some cost down the road.

I would consider buying the unit from your insurance company for salvage cost (which will be reasonably cheap most times) if you could / can negotiate with Hallmark to build another using your working components.

Just a thought. Had a friend who totalled his road tractor when another person went left of center and hit him head on. The components survived (engine, transmisson, pto and axles, but the sheet metal was trashed. He bought the truck from his insurance carrier and repurposed the components into another glider kit.

Looking at any wrecked unit is always a wake up call.

Glad you escaped unharmed.

[Terryallan]

sgip2000 wrote:

evanrem wrote:
The speed limits out west are to fast for a county boy from WI towing a trailer. 65 MPH on two lane highways curving through the mountains is no fun when I can about 55 MPH. I do pull over quite a bit and let people pass. Glad you are all ok.

The reason WI has a low speed limit is because WI drivers are some of the worst in the country. Not as bad as the south though.

Wow. This from a person from Oregon. :h

Y'all got schools, and electricity out there yet? :R

[Terryallan]

lakeside013104 wrote:

jimh425 wrote:
Sorry that you were in a wreck, but also think about what you "possibly" did to contribute. If both the car behind you and a few cars back were trying to risky maneuvers to get around you, you might want to rethink how you are driving.

I know I'm going to get it for this one, but as someone who's been stuck behind a "speed limit" driver who's being "safe", I feel I have to point out what's obvious. If you are truly not in a hurry, also try pulling over from time to time to let others pass safely.

OPer said he let folks by as he could.

Laws are laws. It is your choice whether to be a law breaker or a citizen who obeys the laws, all laws, not just the ones that you choose to obey. . Once you break one law, it is an easy step to justify breaking another law. Just look at our society today: people in power abusing the laws to their advantage, politicians, lawyers, police, clergy, etc.; breaking the laws as if the laws do not apply to them.

jimh425, it all goes back to doing the "right" thing. You can probably get away with doing the "wrong" thing, for a while. Most folks in prison did not get there the very first time they choose to do the "wrong" thing. Most people in car crashes do not get in a crash the very first time they choose to do the "wrong" thing. Your choice, but good up bringing reflects making the "right" choices. Setting examples (good or bad) for children, co-workers, family members, and strangers reflects the true character of an individual.
Doing the "right" thing, the things that responsible law abiding citizens would do, is certainly representative of a person being accountable for their actions.

No one is perfect, but living ones' life in a confused state of continually making bad choices and justifying those choices as being correct ones that are socially acceptable to all, is only fooling oneself, at least, for a while. The more difficult road to follow is being accountable for our actions, following the laws of this country, and treating every other person you come into contact with in a manner that you would prefer to be treated.

OPer, so glad to hear you were not injured. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Lakeside

I think it is just the way the world is today. The ones doing wrong (breaking the law), always want to blame the one doing right. (Obeying the law). They have that entitled mentality.

[lakeside013104]

jimh425 wrote:
Sorry that you were in a wreck, but also think about what you "possibly" did to contribute. If both the car behind you and a few cars back were trying to risky maneuvers to get around you, you might want to rethink how you are driving.

I know I'm going to get it for this one, but as someone who's been stuck behind a "speed limit" driver who's being "safe", I feel I have to point out what's obvious. If you are truly not in a hurry, also try pulling over from time to time to let others pass safely.

OPer said he let folks by as he could.

Laws are laws. It is your choice whether to be a law breaker or a citizen who obeys the laws, all laws, not just the ones that you choose to obey. . Once you break one law, it is an easy step to justify breaking another law. Just look at our society today: people in power abusing the laws to their advantage, politicians, lawyers, police, clergy, etc.; breaking the laws as if the laws do not apply to them.

jimh425, it all goes back to doing the "right" thing. You can probably get away with doing the "wrong" thing, for a while. Most folks in prison did not get there the very first time they choose to do the "wrong" thing. Most people in car crashes do not get in a crash the very first time they choose to do the "wrong" thing. Your choice, but good up bringing reflects making the "right" choices. Setting examples (good or bad) for children, co-workers, family members, and strangers reflects the true character of an individual.
Doing the "right" thing, the things that responsible law abiding citizens would do, is certainly representative of a person being accountable for their actions.

No one is perfect, but living ones' life in a confused state of continually making bad choices and justifying those choices as being correct ones that are socially acceptable to all, is only fooling oneself, at least, for a while. The more difficult road to follow is being accountable for our actions, following the laws of this country, and treating every other person you come into contact with in a manner that you would prefer to be treated.

OPer, so glad to hear you were not injured. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Lakeside

[joerg68]

Poor Truck. Poor Camper. From the picture it looks like Outfitter might be able to rebuild it. The truck doesn't look too bad either, if the frame is still straight. I guess it all comes down to cost and who is going to pay it... In any case I hope you will be back on the road soon.

Just glad you made it out OK.

I am also one of the "speed limits are there for a reason" crowd. Just read what's on the sign and try not to go faster. But apparently some people out there think its a racetrack and there is a prize for being first. While others believe self-driving cars are already out there and they've got one.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

WOW! I'm glad you're OK.

seldomseensmith wrote:
Here she is at the tow yard.... The passenger side did not suffer as much but the truck bed is crunched near the cab. You can see near the rear where the other vehicle hit me to initiate the slide.



Incidentally I believe (no concrete evidence of course) that the camper actually kept the truck from rolling over completely - more surface area to overcome the momentum of the vehicle as it hit the softer sand on the shoulder.

[free_radical]

Sometimes when I sense some driver getting dangerous,such as folowing too close when its not safe to pass,,I tap my brakes few times to flash my brake lights on,,or even turn on left turn signal,,that makes them back off real quick..

Too many people are in too much of a hurry,thats the problem,,

[wnjj]

Wow. Sure is sad to see it all munched like that. At least it's only "stuff" and you're ok.

[seldomseensmith]

Here she is at the tow yard.... The passenger side did not suffer as much but the truck bed is crunched near the cab. You can see near the rear where the other vehicle hit me to initiate the slide.



Incidentally I believe (no concrete evidence of course) that the camper actually kept the truck from rolling over completely - more surface area to overcome the momentum of the vehicle as it hit the softer sand on the shoulder.

[jefe_4x4]

Seldom Seen,
I"m also glad that none of this was terminal. Knowing your inner strength, you'll recover and be seldom seen another day. However, it's incidents like this that can cause us to change course, sometime for good, as we grow out of a need to camp. Jeanie and I lived in greater L.A. for most of our working life, with me working right down town for 38 years at the Music Center. I drove about 1.5M miles in L.A. traffic. In town I never had an accident or ticket. Just lucky. I saw some terrible tragic incidents and lived through two sets of Watts Riots. When the time came to fold our tent, we could hardly wait to X-out the traffic and the hoards, and move OUT of town retiring to a beautiful and peaceful place. We found it. Nevada City, CA; it's not in Nevada. However, we found we just changed some of the particulars. Our town has no traffic signals; not one. Some stop signs. I am lulled into a serene environment that has a........ forest full of pot growers that have caused ALL the homicides in Nevada County this past year. All of them. Yesterday a fire broke out in our heavily wooded area in one of these about a mile downhill from our lane. It was in area inaccessible to vehicles, next to Deer Creek which is still running high. Who would be out in that area and need water for plants? Cal Fire put the hammer down and sent two air tankers and two snorkeled H2O dropping EXMILSPEC helos to douse the flames. No matter where you go or what you do you are still living in a potentially and momentarily dangerous place and there's little you can do about it except, as others have pointed out, sit on the couch and watch TV. This all boils down to dumb luck.
I wish you the dumbest luck in the future, especially for a man that is as close to the natural world as you seem to be.
jefe

[anutami]

Mr. Smith,

Glad you are okay and sorry about the accident. As one who has worked in a claims department for a couple insurance companies, I would not wait on the other driver to report and accept blame. I saw it all the time, the idiot makes up some lie. Did you get a police report, I hope so? If you have the coverage I would use your own insurance and let your insurance company go after the idiot. I know in California it is illegal for your insurance company to raise your rates if you are not at fault in an accident, not sure about AZ. You should at least get checked out by a doctor as well, as it sounds like it was pretty serious of an accident and you do have some pain and suffering. (if you have an injury on the claim at least it will give the driver another point on their record turning it into a 2 point accident for them) hopefully when they see their insurance costs raise they won't be so impatient on the road.

Do you have any pics you can post of the damage?

[PUCampin]

I am glad you are ok, and so sorry your rig is wrecked, hopefully you will be able to return to camping. Your post reminds me of a incident a few weeks back in my area. The son of one of my wife's friends was driving home about 12:30am and was hit head on and killed. This was a wide city street, 3 lanes each direction with a median. Driver going the other way was traveling in excess of 100mph, lost control crossing the median and crashed into him. Both died. There was nothing he could have done, wrong place wrong time. In a second, two families were shattered. He had just graduated HS and was on scholarship to college, was a pillar of the community. The other driver left a wife and a baby born two days later who will never know it's father. Sometimes we are fortunate when we make a mistake and it has no impact, other times we can be doing everything right and are impacted through no fault of our own. I am reminded to always tell my loved ones how much I love them, because in a second it can all change.