Lucky to be Alive

It Doesn't get any Closer ...

Several years ago, Robert and I were living and traveling in a 39’ motorhome. We bought it so we could see the country, but even more important, we wanted to be able to visit our family north of Florida in four states: NC, NY, NH, and Ohio.

Robert and I left our RV site in a Florida campground to do some errands. We wanted to get our chihuahua’s nails trimmed at Petco, pick up supplies at Walmart, and get our mail from our mail service in Green Cove Springs.

Our motorhome was 39-feet long. Understandably, it would never be able to stop on a dime —-not even close. We continually prepared for old traffic lights (green, but due to change soon) and we were always on the lookout for brake lights ahead. As a rule, we slowed down very early, always leaving space ahead in case anyone were to slam on their brakes.

The traffic light ahead of us had just turned red. Seeing brake lights ahead, Robert began slowing down. All of a sudden, a car came speeding on our left and it screeched into the space just in front of us, missing our motorhome by mere inches.

The driver obviously wasn’t paying attention, or he would have been aware that traffic ahead of him had stopped for the light. He immediately slammed on his brakes to keep from hitting the car ahead of him.

I don’t know how we missed hitting the rear of his car, other than Robert’s quick reflexes.

With only seconds to spare, Robert swerved to the right, across the shoulder, and out onto the grass. He finally was able to stop our motorhome in line with the passenger window of the car who cut us off.

We could clearly see the driver, although he kept his eyes straight ahead. He made no eye contact at all, probably due to guilt. Then the light changed to green and he stepped on the gas pedal and left.

I’ve thought so many times since, how fortunate we were that the ground to the side of us was flat, unlike many Florida roadways that had a steep hill, or a deep culvert. Top heavy, we would have rolled several times and possibly been killed.

Likewise, had there been a lake, a guard rail, or a building, we would also have counted ourselves lucky to be alive. Was the driver aware he nearly caused a fatal accident? I hope he was.

We’ll never know ...

Thank you for reading.  If you enjoyed my post, please share it and consider recommending and supporting “CJ’s World” on Substack.