Disabled Car Question

[JustMeSee]

If you saw a person walking away from a disabled car on the side of the road, what would you do?

Please feel free to add any details you desire.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

Well, I for one would stop and ask if they need help/a phone/etc.
If I am able.
I.e.:
-if I am in a position to stop
-I am alone or with someone who is able to defend themselves

 

[pgp_protector]

Depends on many things actually.
Location. Are they down town or in the middle of no where.
Time Noon or Midnight ?
Phone, Are they on a Cell phone talking to someone, or trying to flag anyone down
Weather, it is a nice day, or raining cats & dogs ?

All of the above would play into if I will or will not stop.
Also whom do I have with me, am I by myself, or do I have my little one & how does that stranded person make me feel?

 

[JustMeSee]

Yes, these things do come into consideration.

How far would you go to help a stranded person?

Would you drive them somewhere?

 

[Zebra1552]

Sure! Why not? I mean, I'd see if there's anything that can be done about the car first. Like move it off to the side of the road. I carry my cell at all times, so he could probably call someone. Or she.

 

[Penumbra]

As others have said, it depends on the circumstances. In the age of cell phones, most people have it covered themselves if they get into that kind of situation.

If they are in a place with easy access to a business's phone or something, then I probably won't stop. If they're on a cell phone already, I probably won't stop. If it's really cold or really hot out, or if they seem to need help, I'll probably stop.

About a year ago I was driving back from work through a business district and passed by a pickup truck with a guy on the side of the road. He looked rather shady to me, and there were plenty of businesses around, so I passed him. After about a quarter-mile of driving, I felt bad, and doubled back to ask him if he needed help, but it turned out he didn't require any help, as he already made phone calls and his son was coming with gas (he had run out of gas).

-Lyn

 

[Supernaut]

As an auto mechanic by trade, I would see if there is something I can do for the car as well as help the stranded folk as much as I am able.

 

[tansy]

LOL ,, I totally misunderstood the question. I though t you meant a car designed for disabled people!

 

[keith99]

I tend to stop. Years ago I learned that it can actually be worse getting help in well traveled areas, everyone thinks someone else will help.

The balancing point for me is seeing they have done something, like bothering to get out and open the hood (or if a flat the trunk).

I used to bicycle a lot and I still tend to stop for cyclists who seem to have broken down. I used to stop even more because I often had my bike in the car and I had better than average tools in the bike bag. (Not shop tools, but on road tools, but they make a huge difference). Also usually had a floor pump in the car.

 

[katautumn]

Honestly, as a woman who is oftentimes in the car alone, I wouldn't stop. You never know. There have even been cases in which a woman (wife, girlfriend, daughter) was used as a decoy by a man with ill-intent. As much as I'd love to help anyone stranded and in need I usually err on the side of caution.

 

[FreeSpirit74]

^^^Same here. Plus, I am of the attitude that, if you can afford a car, you can afford the AAA membership and the cell phone that should be going with it.

 

[Zebra1552]

Honestly, as a woman who is oftentimes in the car alone, I wouldn't stop. You never know. There have even been cases in which a woman (wife, girlfriend, daughter) was used as a decoy by a man with ill-intent. As much as I'd love to help anyone stranded and in need I usually err on the side of caution.

The chances of that actually happening are very, very slim. For all its hype, with violent crime it's more common for the victim to know their attacker.

 

[trunks2k]

For all its hype, with violent crime it's more common for the victim to know their attacker.

Don't get me started on THAT topic . I could rant for a long time about how we're afraid of the wrong things.

 

[Zebra1552]

Meh... I'm paranoid myself... probably the martial arts.