Getting in the Loop

I had a sudden realization of my location as I sat atop the overpass on Freeway Loop 101. My confusion began to dissipate when the 911 operator asked, ‘Are you headed northbound?’ Regrettably, I had to admit that I had absolutely no idea; I was completely clueless. What I did know was that I was alone, unaware of my insurance information, and perplexed about why my car had suddenly come to a halt on the freeway. We often like to believe that we would know how to handle emergency situations if we ever found ourselves in one, but in that moment, I had lost all sense and knowledge.

The essence of safe driving truly boils down to being prepared. This preparation needs to happen before you even step into your car-you should know every aspect of your vehicle. As an out-of-state college student, I naively assumed that jumping onto the freeway to get from point A to point B would be straightforward. However, today’s experience on the freeway was a humbling one. Waiting for the arrival of Richard, an Arizona highway patrol officer, whom I now deeply appreciate, put things into perspective. While it’s undoubtedly important to use your blinkers and maintain your vehicle, safe driving is about knowing what to do and when to do it. Had I not paid attention to my car slowing down and made my way to the far-right lane, my car would have come to a halt in the midst of one of the busiest freeways I’ve ever traversed. This could have resulted in a potentially fatal scenario, with a car rear-ending me and putting my life in jeopardy. I came perilously close on the right lane, and I dare not even imagine what might have occurred on the left.

After safely pulling over to the shoulder of the overpass, I reached out to my mom, dad, and boyfriend in the hopes of finding a solution. However, all of them are 12 hours away in California, nowhere near my location in Arizona, making it hard to get a hold of anyone. Feeling desperate, I struggled to determine the best course of action. Technically, I didn’t consider my situation an ‘emergency’ since no one had been harmed. Consequently, I didn’t immediately think to dial 911. Instead, I thought of AAA roadside assistance, only to discover that I didn’t have it when I attempted to call their number. My situation felt utterly hopeless. As I made the call, I was already in tears, sweltering in the daytime heat, with my car’s air conditioning blowing nothing but hot air. I was alone and overwhelmed. Eventually, I managed to reach my mom over the phone. She, in turn, contacted the Scottsdale Police Department to arrange for assistance.

Surprisingly, the police couldn’t pinpoint my location, so they instructed me to call 911, a thought I hadn’t initially considered. When the highway patrol officer arrived and came to my rescue, he determined that my car had overheated and run out of gas while ascending an incline. Richard, the officer, refueled my car and reassured me by saying, ‘You will never be in trouble for calling for help…also, Arizona and gas meters have a bad marriage.’ Those words were a comfort. I had been unaware that I could use 911 as a resource in a situation where no one was injured or in mortal danger.

This experience underscores the importance of emergency planning before setting foot in a car, whether as a driver or passenger. I had only one instinctive response, which was to pull over to the shoulder, but I had limited knowledge, especially considering that I had stopped on an overpass. Being in a different state is unsettling, and being alone amplifies the fear. What’s truly terrifying is not knowing what to do. For safe driving to be effective in preventing the loss of life, everyone should be aware of at least one resource to turn to for help. In simple terms, 911 will answer your call when you have no other options. For genuine preparedness, consider keeping a gas can and jumper cables in your vehicle’s trunk; I’ve already ordered mine on Amazon. While these tips might seem simplistic, they often make the difference in challenging situations. Everyone is frequently reminded to pay attention to how their car sounds and check their blind spots, and these are excellent pointers. However, neglecting the smaller details can exacerbate problems.

As a precaution for the future, I’ve compiled a list of the services my insurance can provide and emergency contact numbers. I’ve printed this list and placed it in the glove box of my car. Now, I’ll know what assistance I can receive and whom to call. Preparing for the worst is always more prudent than hoping nothing goes wrong. Safe driving is not just about following traffic rules but also about knowing how to respond effectively in demanding situations.