Last Friday evening, Oct 15th, I was east bound on I-240, heading to Rib Crib for dinner (my wife was with me). We came up on an accident at I-240 and Santa Fe at the exit ramp. It came upon us so quickly, I could not safely stop. I exited the highway and my wife told me we needed to go back and check on them.
We arrived on the scene at 17:30 pm, I turned on my emergency strobe lights and grabbed my reflective vest. One of the cars was still partially on the interstate in a bad spot. My wife and I got out and checked for injuries. When it was apparent there were no injuries, we made sure they had called 911. Unfortunately, we were advised there were 6 accidents working at the time and OHP only had 4 units on the road...so, it would be a while before they arrived on the scene.
Since there were no injuries, I used my truck to block the exit ramp so the driver of the vehicle that was still on the roadway could move it to the shoulder. I also advised each driver to find their drivers license and insurance verifications and exchange information with each other. That would speed up the process once OHP showed up. One driver and his friends were from Potaeu, Okla. and were on their way to a concert. The other vehicle was headed home. The lady that was driving the truck was 36 years old and had never had an accident or ticket. She was in a little shock.
She started crying, so I put my arm around her and told her everything would be ok. Then my wife came over and took over the consoling part. While my wife spoke with the drivers, i carefully removed debris (car parts) off the exit ramp.
Finally, at around 18:30 pm, OHP arrived on the scene (found out he was in Chickasha when he got the call). I filled him in on the accident and gave him my REACT card. He thanked me for stopping and for clearing the car off the highway. Since everyone had already exhanged information and had their licenses and insurance verifications ready, the process took very little time. I also gave the two drivers my REACT card and they were both very appreciative that we stopped. Neither of them had any idea what to do in case of an accident.
At 18:45 pm, the trooper released me from the scene.
Central Oklahoma REACT Unit 706
http://www.okcentralreact.org/
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