On Sunday I was on my way to a work function, and was on the phone with a co-worker while driving on the 60 fwy. All of a sudden, the left back tire on the black SUV right in front of me exploded, and the SUV started to swerve uncontrollably. I hung up, and slammed on the brakes.
I braced myself to hit the car, as it hit the center divider. It looked like it was going to go over it, but then somehow it dropped back and started to drift to the right. Luckily by the time my car got to the SUV, I was able to slide by on its left side.
I immediately stopped and grabbed the phone to call 911. I looked out the rear view mirror and saw a small body on the ground. Other drivers, like myself, ran out of their cars to help the passengers in the SUV. I was scared, and asked if the engine had been turned off. Another driver had begun to pick up the little girl off the ground, but was directed to leave the body on the floor.
Luckily the CHP was on the scene minutes after the accident. I saw a girl on the phone, crying hysterically. I assumed she was a survivor of the accident. I saw the driver lying in her seat, leaning on her back left side. All I could see was her hair. Behind her was another lady (I only saw her long hair), wedged between the cracked-open back left of the SUV. The survivor started to scream and cry when she saw blood dripping down on the ground from that body. Judging by everyone's reaction that was brave enough to walk up to the SUV, it was apparent that the people in the car didn't survive.
Several of us stayed to give a report, one guy was giving orders, couple cars just drove off, and the emergency people were performing their duties as needed. I saw them perform CPR on the baby girl, and carry her out on the stretcher.
I've read all the articles out there about the accident, and apparently the baby girl passed as well. Also, there was a third person in the car that I didn't see.
I keep thinking about the incident. It was a complete miracle that I didn't hit the SUV - who knows where I might be right now. I wonder about what I could have done differently, if the girls in the car could have been saved somehow. I have a bit of comfort knowing that they were on their way to church - they might have been Christian.
So in conclusion.... I don't know if there is one. Just live life ~ live each day with no regrets ~ buckle your seatbelts ~ check your tires ~ and I love you all!