Accident Assistance

At 17:20 pm I was southbound on I-44, approaching NW 39th st exit. I noticed traffic coming to a complete stop, so I knew something was up. A Toyota was stopped in the middle lane and a Cadillac was off on the shoulder with front-end damage. I turned on all my emergency lights, pulled in front of the vehicle that was still in the middle of the interstate, grabbed my reflective vest and approached the driver. I checked on him and his car. Since the car was still drivable, I suggested he pull of onto the shoulder so we would not tie up traffic.

Once he drove to the shoulder, I carefully pulled to the shoulder myself. Unfortunately, he had not pulled all the way off and was still blocking a lane of traffic. I backed my truck up so he could get completely off the highway. I checked on the driver of the Cadillac (who was already standing by her car), which was an older lady (in her 60's). There were no injuries and the damage was minor. Nobody had called 911 yet, so I made the call. I assumed it was OHP's since it was on the interstate (but later learned it was OCPD's call).

I informed the OHP dispatcher where we were at and that I was a member of Central Oklahoma REACT and was behind the vehicles with my emergency lights on. I gave her a description of both vehicles involved in the accident and then a description of my vehicle. I also informed her both vehicles were off the roadway and not causing a traffic hazard.

During our wait, I was able to speak with both drivers and give them advice as to what paperwork the officer would need when he arrived on the scene. Three OCPD units drove by and one Okla. County Sheriff's Deputy drove by. Finally, at 18:07 pm and OCPD officer arrived on the scene. The motorist that had been rear-ended had opened his trunk and could not get it shut again, so while the officer did the paperwork, I worked on tying his trunk down.

There was nothing more I could do and the officer had one of the lanes blocked, so I saw no reason to stay around. The officer did not say much to me, but he was friendly. I gave both drivers my City business card because I could not find my REACT ones. I left the scene at 18:20 pm.

Keith Sossamon, Treasurer
Central OK REACT Team 6023
Unit 706- WQLN506
http://www.okcentralreact.org/
http://www.keith49.blogspot.com/


Submitted to the Central Oklahoma REACT Team 6023 Board of Directors.