One of my favorite colleagues has been hospitalized since September 7th, when she was very seriously injured. She's been putting up a valient fight, and she might not make it.
It wasn't by an evil guy posing as a homebuyer or a creep who followed her into a vacant house and whacked her on the head.
It was a stupid accident. She was hit by a car - the driver was backing up and didn't see her.
We are all pretty vigilant we're showing houses, and we should be. But we are far more likely to be involved in a serious accident involving an automobile, and the only posts I've seen about auto safety are the ones I've written.
My car was struck by a driver talking on a cell phone. Oddly enough, I had pulled over and legally parked to make a phone call. He came roaring around a corner and rear ended me. Luckily, I suffered only minor whiplash
Another colleague was seriously injured by an elderly woman who hit her while she was crossing the street. The driver was making a left turn and didn't see my friend. Her knee had to be pinned back together, and she was in intensive physical therapy for over a year.
With cell phones, texting, food, cigarettes, makeup, crying children and all the other distractions people drive around with, I look at automobiles as a far bigger danger than prospective clients.
And I'm careful about showing houses, but I'm especially careful about driving to my showing destinations.
Sorry to hear about your friend - we will pray for her recovery. Accidents are very painful as they are so random and impossible to understand. We should all be more careful.
I so need a bumper sticker that says hang up the phone and drive it will keep us both alive a little longer
There are many distracted drivers out there looking for us. We just have to be more aware of the dangers. Thanks for the reminder!
Pat - I was never the one at fault in an accident but my experiences have caused me to be a defensive driver and overly cautious. I consider driving a job hazard. Very rarely do I even have clients in my car. I am sorry to hear about your friend.
Vehicle safety is of utmost importance. The very sad part about these accidents is that many of these situations could be avoided with a little care and concern for others.
Sorry to hear about your friend. This is a good reminder to spend time enjoying the people close to us because anything is possible.
Diane
Patricia - your friend is in our thoughts and prayers. It's scary how quickly something can happen. I see folks all the time on their phones, or talking and not paying attention. Of course some bike riders and pedestrians don't either.
Jeff
Patricia....I hope your friend gets better....praying and ((hugs))! You are so right. I am very good now about pulling over to talk on my phone. I have the bluetooth thingy....but I don't like it. It hurts my head and ear. So I just don't take calls unless I pull over.....not even safe when we do that now that I know your experience. Stay safe sweetie....we would miss you so......
At least DC has a ban on cell phones while driving. Just last week I had to swerve out of the path of a chatter bug while driving.
Oh my gosh, I hope everything turns out fine.
Patricia- And it happens when we don't expect it to. I guess that is because we are not paying attention.
You make a very good point. Sometimes I get a little over aggressive when driving especially if its been a long day and I'm traffic. Thanks for the safety reminder. Best of luck to friend in the hospital.
Hi Pat...I believe we are in greater danger of being in an accident than conducting our real estate business. I scare myself sometimes when I become distracted even for just a nano second.
Hopefully your colleague will make it.
Kate
This is so true. I try to be such a defensive driver and have been lucky so far. I hope your friend gets well!
My sympathies for your friend's injuries; I will keep her in my prayers.
You are sooo right to say we often overlook the dangers of being in our cars - I suspect the odds of being injured in and from vehicles are far greater than being assaulted by an individual.
Patricia, I used to work in Bethesda and the things you see driving around the beltway. Guys shaving, woman curling their eyebrows and putting on makeup, people actually reading the newspaper while driving. It's scary out there. If I see someone in the rear view mirror talking on a cell phone I change lanes.
I hope your friend make it.
Patricia - Thanks for the great post - we can all learn from these stories. Your friend is in my prayers.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend. When I was in Georgetown last week I watched how many drivers seemed to be oblivous to the pedistrians and the little walk signs. Most of them appeared to be on their cell phones. DC's phone headphone law didn't seem to be working!
I wish your friend a healthy recovery. It is such a shame when something tragic happens that could have been prevented. Carelessness of one person that inflicts harm on another is unacceptable. Thanks for the post. I am going to make a conscious effort to drive slower and be aware of my surroundings on the road.
Now I have moved to the city, I find it is extremely important to drive safely. There are way too many careless drivers in the city than in the suburb area.
Pat I am sorry to hear about the accident and hope your friend will feel better soon. Have a great weekend.