As I was driving the highway to work the other day along a rare four-lane section in our neck of the woods, I noted a man slumped just off the shoulder against a large light post. He wasn’t just resting, that was obvious, and his position didn’t look comfortable or natural.
Morning traffic was moving quickly in all lanes and as I passed, I checked my rearview mirror to see if anyone had slowed or pulled over. Noting that wasn’t the case I did pull over and called 911 to which dispatch said they would immediately send someone to check. I gave the coordinates and his description, feeling concerned but at least knowing that someone better trained than I was on the way. I was hoping he was OK.
Somehow I felt guilty though, should I have stayed there until RCMP or first responders arrived? Do I need to carry Naloxone? What else should I have with me? We talk a lot about having a to-go bag at home and being prepared. How well prepared am I in my vehicle? Let’s see, I have an emergency kit for the car but when was the last time I actually checked it? Now that it’s summer I’m not carrying a blanket but probably should. I have a flashlight, spare tire and I always have a huge thermal mug of ice water, but shouldn’t I have more than that?
Highway 5 is notorious for long full closures for hours at a time and has even been known to close overnight at any time of the year due to a motor vehicle incident.
I asked in the headline to this, how are you doing? How often am I checking in with others that I know consistently travel the highway as I do, friends, family, neighbours and co-workers. Do they have my cell number? If the highway gets closed and we are stuck, what’s our back-up plan? I love having a back-up plan and being prepared in the event of something unexpected happening as a Momma and Gramma with a backpack full of ‘just in case stuff’ – but is it the right stuff?
Heading over the Coquihalla highway soon to a family wedding on the island I think it’s time to take stock again. Make another checklist and update essentials in the vehicle, in my bag, at home before we go.
It never hurts to review and reassess. Not only for ourselves but for the good of all.
Safe travels everyone and let me know if you have any good suggestions because there is always room to improve as we head into another hot, dry, wildfire season and hopefully a summer filled with more fun memories than emergencies. As our Grandma Lillie would have said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
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