Confession: Compelled to Look at the Car Wreck

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   jansharesposted 9 years ago

   For the last two days or so, I've been compelled to look at the car wreck. I keep slowing down to watch even though I know I need to keep driving and keep my eye on my own traffic. I knew it was a bad wreck, the longer the lines of cars extended, one after another. I actually drove pass several times but kept going back to see if the carnage had gotten any worse. I keep going around the block, saying I'm not going back there, but find myself circling around, compelled to see what happens next.
   
   Some people are actually stopping and getting out of their cars to try and help. But the situation has gotten so out of hand. I don't know why I keep going back. I feel like a voyeur. I guess it's human nature. Or maybe I keep hoping that it will be all cleared and the carnage removed. I'm fascinated by the car wreck as well as my response to it.
   
   I decided to post this as a way to keep myself from going back to peer in at the wreck. I'd also like to know if anyone else is as compelled as I am to keep looking at the car wreck. Thoughts? Peace.

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      Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I am, too.
      But I think it is not so much a wreck as an inconvenient collision of of opinions, perspectives and ideas.
      I think it will eventually make us realize that we are all in this together, and we will make better connections with those who we initially thought were adversaries.

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         Nancy Hardinposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Rochelle Frank, I totally agree with you. There is "safety" in numbers, they say. So the more we have, the better I believe. I think recovery is on its way and the injuries will heal quickly.

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      colorfuloneposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I wrote an article recently and posted a photo about a car wreck at the neighbor's, on another site. The driver died at the scene, and the female passenger is paralyzed.  Beer cans were scattered all over the sight.  Very sad that a witness judged the car traveling at about 90 mph on a country road with a very sharp curve.

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         Sed-meposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         That actually sounds a bit like the wreck Jan is talking about.

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      bethperryposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It is sometimes hard to notice the wrecks with all the "Dip Ahead" posts going up around the highway. So I try to just overlook the igits pulled over with their flat tires -the folks caught up in bitching sessions with fellow drives- and instead search for smoother exits.

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         jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Great strategy, bethperry. Don't get distracted, keep going, take the next exit ramp.

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      Solarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Great post!

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   SmartAndFunposted 9 years ago

   I managed to avoid getting involved in that wreck until tonight. Why did I hold out that long only to give in at the end? At least I hope it is the end.

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   calculus-geometryposted 9 years ago

   Is it the car wreck that caused a 400+ car pile-up, or the one that keeps re-igniting into a ball of flames just when you think it's fizzled out?

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      jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The 400+ car pile up. I won't go pass there again.

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      Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      C-G, you provided  some of the most reasonable moments. I rarely get involved in forum discussions, but this one caught me in the midst of the wreckage.

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         jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I hope you didn't sustain any serious injuries, Rochelle. It's not worth it.

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            Rochelle Frankposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I'm good. I have insurance.

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      SmartAndFunposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yup. That's the one. I keep thinking it is close to being over, but alas. Maybe the mods will shut it down in the morning.

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   lisavollrathposted 9 years ago

   I drove by, did a little rubber-necking, left a few notes, and sped away. I did not see any sign of the much needed clue bus.

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   Sherry Hewinsposted 9 years ago

   I am over it. Some people made good points, but I have seen enough.

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   jansharesposted 9 years ago

   Thank you all for participating in my midnight metaphoric release. Have a blessed day, peace.

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   rebekahELLEposted 9 years ago

   I'm not sure of the car wreck you're referring to, but nonetheless, it sounds like a great metaphor!  Car wrecks are too distracting, just keep driving and stay focused on arriving at the destination.   

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   Mark Ewbieposted 9 years ago

   I slowed down to look at the cats but when some woman went by pointing and shouting "THIIIIS!" - I got out of there.

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      Solarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      +++LOL. Your the funniest man I have never known.

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      rebekahELLEposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      OHH, the flames..  Yeah, I have no time nor interest!

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   Michael Kismetposted 9 years ago

   I actually hate to admit this, but I like the opinionated chaos that ensues..It's a grand opportunity to see how certain people really conduct themselves when they have an agenda, or a point they're trying to get across.  The words in which we choose to express ourselves--speaks volumes, and as writers, we of all people should know, we are all held accountable for our words.

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    Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years ago

    ahhh! rubber-neckers, are ye? Usually when there is a pile up like that it greatly helps when a person with an objective viewpoint stops and tries to help find a solution to untangle the mess. It is sad, because the original driver on the freeway did not mean for it to turn into chaos.

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       jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       So true, Phyllis. I feel so bad for him because he's a good driver. He tried so hard to keep the steering wheel steady but the pile up just kept coming. Not his fault.

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    Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years ago

    I think a driver should be be given the option of turning off the engine when it gets overheated.  I pulled out and parked on the curb went back to check then left again. Hopefully it is cleared up by now.

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       jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Good point. But at some point, won't the driver need the dealership's mechanic to intervene so it won't continue to overheat? I hope it clears up soon, as well. Too many fumes, so unhealthy.

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          Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          Yes, fumes are unhealthy. That is why I parked then left. I think there are times when the traffic cops need to step in and clear up the wreck, route others around it. LOL

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             jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             Hmm, yes, you're right. The traffic cops. I wonder if any passers-by called 911 or at least made a report. I'm glad you got out in time. Are you still feeling compelled to return to the scene? I'm not anymore.

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                Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                No, not compelled to return to the scene. It started out okay and we were inching along then along comes a jam and that caused some tense "road rage" - I am not into road rage.

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                   jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                   Phew! That'll do it. A traffic jam that makes everybody start blaming and yelling at each other. I'm not into it either. It can get pretty dangerous in the middle of a highway.

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    PaulGoodman67posted 9 years ago

    I struggle to take the car wrecks seriously, does that make me a bad person? 

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       jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Not at all. It's a good sign that you realize life does ultimately go on, in spite of all the chaos you may encounter along the way.

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