It can all change in an instant.

KegRiver · #1 10-18-2019, 11:29 AM

It was a pleasant fall morning. It had rained lightly the evening before, but nothing major. The morning was sunny with some dense fog patches, but no issues with the roads.

The was a bit of ice on the windshield but not a lot. Just some lumps where water had formed droplets, and a very light film that melted away before the truck was actually warm inside.

No snow, the roads were almost dry. I checked for traction when set out and all seem fine.

Forty miles south and three bridges later I cruised onto a small bridge on a straight level section of highway. There was nothing out of the ordinary so far as I could see. Then everything went sideways, quiet literally.

One moment it was a normal morning and then I was broadside in the middle of the bridge. I tried to steer out of it but it had no effect.

Fifty feet past the bridge the truck left the road and started to roll.
The next few seconds are a blur of flying glass and things spinning.
When everything came to a stand still I was hanging upside down from my seat, looking at the world sideways.

Within seconds someone yelled at me asking "Are you okay in there" I yelled back, "No, I'm bleeding bad from my head."

I took some paper towel off a roll I had in the truck and held it to the top of my head which seemed to be where the blood was coming from.

Then I did a somersault out of the driver seat, landing on the passenger door. I was about to try to climb up and out the drivers side window when people outside told me the back window was blown out and I could get out that way.

In the end they took me to hospital by ambulance but aside frm some cuts on my scalp, a couple of bruises and some bits of glass in my hide, I was fine.

My truck, not so much.

It was such a good truck too. Over 200,000 km and it still had it's original starter and alternator. In fact the only work done to the power train was oil changes and spark plugs changed.

I guess I'll have to start looking for another vehicle. I'm thinking I might buy a used truck like the one I had. Maybe a couple of years newer but not New. I don't want new. I won't have a driving license long enough to get my moneys worth out of a new vehicle.

For now we are a one vehicle family and I'm about to head out to do the last show of the year.

I hate leaving the wife at home without transportation, but I have a business to run and costumers to supply.

See you all down the road somehwere.

Dean2 · #2 10-18-2019, 11:34 AM

Man I am REALLY glad you are okay. Truck is just stuff, they are easy to replace. Good guys, much harder to come by. Take good care and be well.

pikergolf · #3 10-18-2019, 11:37 AM

Glad you are OK, if anyone could spot a bad spot it would be you with all your experience. Glad you came out of it with no major injuries.

Ken07AOVette · #4 10-18-2019, 11:43 AM

It was nice to talk to you, glad you are ok.

My offer for a truck stands, just likely need help from another member for a ride home again.

KegRiver · #5 10-18-2019, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

It was nice to talk to you, glad you are ok.

My offer for a truck stands, just likely need help from another member for a ride home again.

It was nice hearing you voice my friend. It means more then words can say.
And the offer of a truck was a very pleasant surprise. And much appreciated.

I don't think I'll do that show after all. I'm just not crazy about such a long drive with this weather and me not feeling 100 percent just yet.

I,m not hurting or anything, just feeling a bit off. Maybe it's a bit of nerves from thinking about driving again what with the dreary wet weather and all.

wbl170 · #6 10-18-2019, 11:43 AM

Glad all is well. Trucks are replaceable lives not so much.

moose maniac · #7 10-18-2019, 11:54 AM

Glad your ok

Athabasca1 · #8 10-18-2019, 12:01 PM

Glad you are okay. Nasty roll over.

colt45 · #9 10-18-2019, 12:02 PM

Glad you made it out okay ,
Like you say life can change in a split second

FishOutOfWater · #10 10-18-2019, 12:05 PM

Glad you weren't seriously injured, but winter tires aren't only for when there's snow on the road.

Are those Toyo Open Country ? Get yourself some winter-rated A/T tires, DuraTracs or Grabber AT/2.

sns2 · #11 10-18-2019, 12:20 PM

Glad you are okay, Keg. I know who is watching out for you.

thirty-30 · #12 10-18-2019, 05:41 PM

Holy crap, Keg!

I respect everyone on AO, but you are one of a select few that reached out to help myself and my friend from Fox when he almost lost his leg. Always had high regard for you.

I am super glad you are all right ... you're absolutely right, most of us have seen it at some point in our lives ... it literally only takes a second.

I have literally almost wrecked in exactly the same conditions on exactly that same bridge if I know where it was ....

My ex and I were driving to BC and ended up sideways in the middle of the bridge staring at an oncoming 18 wheeler... I was driving a little Ford Ranger and the back end went out on me faster than you could say lickey split. Was south of HL but well before Manning. I'm doubly guessing where it is because I think I recognize the storage yard beside the gas station in manning in the pic...

I'm super glad you are all right and you seem to be pretty accepting and philosophical about it ..

No concussion?

*worried*

Quote:

Originally Posted by KegRiver

It was a pleasant fall morning. It had rained lightly the evening before, but nothing major. The morning was sunny with some dense fog patches, but no issues with the roads.

The was a bit of ice on the windshield but not a lot. Just some lumps where water had formed droplets, and a very light film that melted away before the truck was actually warm inside.

No snow, the roads were almost dry. I checked for traction when set out and all seem fine.

Forty miles south and three bridges later I cruised onto a small bridge on a straight level section of highway. There was nothing out of the ordinary so far as I could see. Then everything went sideways, quiet literally.

One moment it was a normal morning and then I was broadside in the middle of the bridge. I tried to steer out of it but it had no effect.

Fifty feet past the bridge the truck left the road and started to roll.
The next few seconds are a blur of flying glass and things spinning.
When everything came to a stand still I was hanging upside down from my seat, looking at the world sideways.

Within seconds someone yelled at me asking "Are you okay in there" I yelled back, "No, I'm bleeding bad from my head."

I took some paper towel off a roll I had in the truck and held it to the top of my head which seemed to be where the blood was coming from.

Then I did a somersault out of the driver seat, landing on the passenger door. I was about to try to climb up and out the drivers side window when people outside told me the back window was blown out and I could get out that way.

In the end they took me to hospital by ambulance but aside frm some cuts on my scalp, a couple of bruises and some bits of glass in my hide, I was fine.

My truck, not so much.

It was such a good truck too. Over 200,000 km and it still had it's original starter and alternator. In fact the only work done to the power train was oil changes and spark plugs changed.

I guess I'll have to start looking for another vehicle. I'm thinking I might buy a used truck like the one I had. Maybe a couple of years newer but not New. I don't want new. I won't have a driving license long enough to get my moneys worth out of a new vehicle.

For now we are a one vehicle family and I'm about to head out to do the last show of the year.

I hate leaving the wife at home without transportation, but I have a business to run and costumers to supply.

See you all down the road somehwere.

creeky · #13 10-18-2019, 07:48 PM

Your one of the good guys Keg, glad you came out this as well as you did.

Creeky....

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Moo Snukkle · #14 10-18-2019, 08:34 PM

Divine intervention .
Could have ended up so much worse. Glad all is well.

buckbrush · #15 10-18-2019, 09:09 PM

Sure glad you made it. Having survived a fatal car wreck as a child I have seen how fast life can change without warning.

Thanks for sharing. I'm sure everyone who reads this will be thinking about it and will be extra vigilant on the roads.

omega50 · #16 10-18-2019, 09:24 PM

Flashback to New Years Day in the late 70's driving from the Peg to Red Mountain in BC.

About a couple of Km from Regina, buddy driving his old Volvo, I drove all night and just switched drivers. Road seems clear and dry.
Sun just coming up beauty day and Buddy wakes me as the front end slides into the center ditch-deep snow and we end over end at 70 miles an hour and slide on the roof for a ridiculously long way. Ended up a few hundred yards from SGI

Fueling pouring in the back, my door pinned in the snow. We booted out the windshield.
Both of us suffered zero injuries

40 years later and I often reflect just how could our perfect little beauty of day turn so bad in a quick moment. Still not exactly sure why it happened which is a bit un-nerving.
So glad to hear that you survived a potentially fatal situation

KegRiver · #17 10-19-2019, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirty-30

Holy crap, Keg!

I have literally almost wrecked in exactly the same conditions on exactly that same bridge if I know where it was ....

I was driving a little Ford Ranger and the back end went out on me faster than you could say lickey split. Was south of HL but well before Manning. I'm doubly guessing where it is because I think I recognize the storage yard beside the gas station in manning in the pic...

No concussion?

*worried*

No, no concussion, thank God! Just a sore neck and some cuts and bruises.

This happened at the Whitemud bridge south of Dixonville. I had already crossed the Miekle, the Hotchkiss and the Notikewin bridges and they were fine.

The yard is Manning Collision's yard next to North Town Esso, that's the one you were thinking of isn't it?

mxz1997 · #18 10-20-2019, 11:11 PM

Glad you’re ok Keg. The Lord was definitely watching out for you. A reminder for everyone of us how quickly this life can be over and we begin eternity

Oldan Grumpi · #19 10-21-2019, 12:12 AM

There’s nothing funny about it, but I had to chuckle to myself all the same - about 40 years ago I had a Ford pickup in that very same fence, in almost the exact same spot, with a roof almost exactly as flat.

Other than the wild ride one midnight about thirty miles up the Chin road, I was happy about it. I hated that truck, and it was the best thing that ever happened to it. I was still young enough then to be convinced that I was bullet proof, and still too dumb to be scared. I know differently now, and that realization kind of sucks. Young, dumb and bullet proof was way more fun.

I’m glad you’ve dodged another bullet; I’m sure we’ve both dodged a few before. Here’s to dodging the next one as well.

P.S. - better pick up a package of Preparation H, you’re going to need it when the insurance company gets done with you.

KegRiver · #20 10-21-2019, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxz1997

Glad you’re ok Keg. The Lord was definitely watching out for you. A reminder for everyone of us how quickly this life can be over and we begin eternity

He sure was. There is no other explanation for why I walked away with so little injury.

Stinky Buffalo · #21 10-21-2019, 07:14 AM

So glad you’re okay, Keg! You’re right, it only takes an instant.

Big Grey Wolf · #22 10-21-2019, 08:38 AM

Keg, sorry to hear about your accident. My son who does lot driving for work told me last week he went out of control coming to Red Deer river bridge. He said he was using cruise control in winter. I gave him sh_t as he is 40 years old. I would sure miss you my trapping Mentor if you had not been wearing your seat belt and had your angle riding with you.