Wasn't that fun... Passed a car going the wrong way down a major road @ 2:30 this morning.I was wondering if I should call 911, but then decided that he would either have crashed by the next major intersection or realize what he was doing- and he was going around 60. What do you tell the cops? "Somewhere in this city is an idiot who WAS going the wrong way?
Anyhow, I did a quick detour and in 3 minutes I was back on the main road. I figured I would drive the right way down that road to the next major one and see if there was a collision. I assumed that if there was I would have several major injuries as it would have been a head on at almost highway speeds. While I was waiting at the lights- I noticed the car sitting in a "pull out" used by passenger rail maintenance. I kept watching the car, and the crossing arms came down. Sure enough, the car drove into the train and got crushed against the pole. I was sure the car was not close enough to be hit by the train- but then I blinked at there was a collision. It kind of looked like the car moved forward a little- but then my perception could have been off as it defiantly was propelled by the train.
I drove to it while calling 911 (no longer did I need to guess if there was any point in placing the call.) When I pulled in the driver was getting out of his car. Turned out he drove into the side of the train and most of the damage was the hood section. I would say he was "lucky" there was a berm there and he got high centered. The driver just sat on a barrier in shock at first, then started yelling "fuck you" at the people on the train and throwing rocks and laughing (he was upset they were staring.) 911 said help was on the way, and that was the end. In a way it suited me fine as I didn't want to be talking to them while I was talking to the driver- and he probably needed more attention that the operator...
By this point, I realize that the driver is not completely stable- but he's a smaller guy. Eventually he goes back to the barrier and sits down again. He tells me that he tried, and that he regreted that he was not successful. Now I know it was attempted suicide. He starts eyeing the few cars on the road and I put my arm around him and hold him saying that is not a good idea. He says something along the lines of having screwed up a relationship and only wanting her. I don't quite get how this is going to help that situation... But I keep an arm around him because I didn't feel like coming on a crash with him bleeding out with the train, and I don't feel like watching him strike a car doing 50 MPH and dying either. He starts looking back at the cars and then is distracted by the people on the train again and walks towards it.
Now the fire engines are on the other side of the road and will be over soon. I'm hoping that they come around to this side soon- I'm really worried he knows that time is running out to kill himself. I stick near him thinking he might try using one of the fire engines- but they are traveling too slow. Police show up, and smell the alcohol. He is cuffed without incident and taken to their car. I get to talk to the paramedics when they first show up and mention it was an attempted suicide and that it might be worth taking him for evaluation- but of course it is their choice to make.
And that is how my night ends. I'll admit I'm in a little bit of an odd place mentally. Nobody to call to "decompress" until tomorrow. So I type this out here. I really was sure when I drove up on the car, the train, and the pole that it would be impossible to get the driver out and he would be dying or dead. Instead the passenger compartment was completely intact. And then I kept an arm around him and the other hand ready to grab him. I'm not really a small guy, and I really didn't think that standing there while somebody killed themselves would be fun. But I was wondering if he was really serious and had a knife if I may have found myself on the defensive- and I was really close to him physically.
Glad it all worked out. I hope he gets the help he obviously needs. I'm also sure that a DUI and a totaled car is not going to help his situation. I honestly hope he does not just end up more determined and successful.
Bloody people. I'm going to pour myself a nice double rum and coke and go to bed. I hear alcohol solves all problems.
