quote:

I had a car full of kids

That right there would be a good reason to just keep moving. Their safety would be the overriding priority to me.
And I was a first responder for 23 yrs.

Unless you're trained and equipped, and/or circumstances are immediately dire (car actively on fire, etc.) your involvement in such things should be limited to observing and reporting.

Look up Good Samaritan laws in your area. In some cases, without statutory protection, you can be held liable for the help you provide.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

Look up Good Samaritan laws in your area. In some cases, without statutory protection, you can be held liable for the help you provide.

What's the deal on that here in Florida?

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

The whole ordeal also made me realize I'm pretty poorly equipped for a situation that would've been any worse.
Makes me want to look into some first aid training & adding a small kit to the truck.

Living in FL where there are major storms every year has made become me more prepared for different types of emergencies. I have these supplies in all of my cars: I use the big ziploc freezer type bags and put 3 Flares, 3 LED triangle lights, a can of green slime for temporary repair to tires, mini compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter or the a/c output in my trucks that have them, gloves, a couple hand towels, hand cleaner, a t-shirt to change into if I need to change a tire, band-aids and an ace wrap bandage, 2 bottles of water and a mini orange/white flag I can waive if it's dark or around a curve that will assist other drivers in seeing me if I'm outside of the vehicle.

I would like to add to my kit things I may not have considered. What are some things you guys put in your cars for emergency?

As one travels more north, sand/cat litter and a small snow shovel in late fall thru early spring. Also, a small, plastic bottle you can pee in if necessary (stuck on the road for a few hours).

I have a winter bag that I place in the car which includes heavier pants and socks, gloves, parka and knit cap. Blanket, too.

This was October 2023.

A box truck drove by and never slowed while I was waiting for help.
I hate people.

You will get killed fooling around in these roads, highways, and Interstates messing around other peoples crashes!

I've been in the towing business going on my 34th year and one of my guys has gotten hit three times in the last eighteen months after working crashes with GSP controlling traffic.

Speed and distracted drivers.

I can't recall ever having witnessed a collision while driving. I am positive I have never witnessed anything "serious", like P250UA5 describes.

I do make an effort to help "stranded motorists". I have helped change spare wheels, purchased a few gallons of fuel for people, jumped batteries, and helped temporarily re-attach bumper covers. I do want to make myself more capable by building up a "tool kit" as has been mentioned.

If I don't stop to help someone who appears stranded, it's because I am driving alone with my four-year-old daughter. It's exceptional that I find myself on such a tight schedule that I can't stop, but I'd be lying if I said I "always had time".

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Unless you're trained and equipped, and/or circumstances are immediately dire (car actively on fire, etc.) your involvement in such things should be limited to observing and reporting.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Look up Good Samaritan laws in your area. In some cases, without statutory protection, you can be held liable for the help you provide.

If you have medical training, like a being physician, the Good Samaritan laws may not protect you, as you'd be expected to have more advanced knowledge and skill; which may not actually be true, given your field of expertise/training. Observing, reporting and moving on might be a better option.

Here's a reason NOT to stop. This was in central IA, there was a similar incident on I80 close to me (Davenport) but I can't find an article about it.

Duo attacks good Samaritan

Associated Press
MARSHALLTOWN, Ia. –
Dec 9, 2013

Authorities are looking for two people suspected of attacking a motorist who stopped to help them on a road near Marshalltown, and they're warning potential good Samaritans to be careful.

The Marshall County sheriff's office said Stephanie Phelps pulled over next to a car on the evening of Nov. 29 when she saw a stranded driver and passenger.

"She stopped to help them, was actually going to help them push a vehicle off the road," said Marshall County sheriff's office Chief Deputy Burt Tecklenburg.

Authorities said the male passenger got out of the car and assaulted Phelps. He and the female driver allegedly stole Phelps' Christmas shopping bags full of toys, and left her unconscious by her car...

Complete article:

https://www.desmoinesregister....d-samaritan/3901051/