Filed under: Etc.
Golden Gate bridge accident averted by selfless driver
We don't particularly enjoy posting about auto accidents, as totaled cars and injured humans is never a good conversation starter. Every once in a while, though, we get an opportunity to post about a crash that didn't happen thanks to the quick thinking and selfless nature of a good samaritan. Such a near miss happened yesterday in San Francisco when a driver on the Golden Gate became unconscious and her Jeep Grand Cherokee came to a stop in the second lane from the center divide. John Beatty almost rammed his Ford F-350 into the back of the Jeep, but stopped just in time. The 50-year-old man from Mill Valley, CA then noticed the Jeep began to creep forward and to the left. Realizing it was headed towards the divide and into oncoming traffic, Beatty positioned his truck in front of the SUV so that it would hit him instead of crossing over. He then guided the Jeep across two lanes of road, which had fortunately been cleared of traffic when other drivers began to realize what Beatty was doing. Unfortunately, there is a sad ending to this story, as the unconscious driver of the Jeep eventually died at the hospital. If it hadn't been for Beatty, however, you would've heard about a fatal multi-car accident on the Golden Gate bridge last night. Thanks for the tip, Patrick!
[Source: sfgate.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
SOhp101 8:04PM (11/29/2007)
...and the guy's insurance company will thank him by raising his rates.
Call me cynical, but that's my guess on what will happen.
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WillDaThrill 11:07PM (11/29/2007)
Point well taken. I always said that lawers, insurance and people trying to make a quick buck killed the good samaritan.
John R 6:39AM (11/30/2007)
i don't think you're cynical, I thought the same thing after reading the story. Hopefully as this story recieves more attention his insurance will realize it would be a bitch move to raise his rates.
3dman7 2:03PM (11/30/2007)
The way I'm reading it, I think the jeep hit him in the rear...if so, it's likely the Jeeps fault.
Leaf 12:38PM (11/30/2007)
Sad but true. The insurance industry is such an unbelievable scam.
Harlo 2:39PM (11/30/2007)
He should set up a donation site and forget telling his insurance altogether. We the people should reward citizens like this. That or perhaps a Bay Area garage could come forward and just offer to fix his vehicle gratis.
wudy 8:10PM (11/29/2007)
I hope the guy won't get an increased rate.. I mean.. according to the article, he prevented a chain of many accidents.
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MixiM 8:13PM (11/29/2007)
Yeah but they might of had been insured by a competitor...
Zane 8:16PM (11/29/2007)
I thought that kind of behavior was long dead. Glad to know such people still exist. I'm pretty sure 99.99% of the folks out here wouldn't have done that.
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Andrew 10:12PM (11/30/2007)
you're totally right, i probably woulda only thought of what i could have done to help the situation afterwards.
in many ways this guy is a hero...!
Big Rocket 8:33PM (11/29/2007)
I have heard another similar story in the local news, years ago. And I would rather pay a hike in my insurance premiums, than live the rest of my life haunted by the knowledge I had stood by and done nothing when other lives were at risk.
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Yubastard 8:28AM (11/30/2007)
indeed I would... u rock.
GoldenEye 8:35PM (11/29/2007)
But, if the guy saved the person in the Jeep, how did HE die?
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plugot 8:39PM (11/29/2007)
Like others, my first reaction (after applauding his action) was to figure that his insurer would f**k 'em over for his act of courage. Sigh.
Bryan 8:43PM (11/29/2007)
He didn't die. She Did. The lady in the Jeep died. She passed out and died at the hospital obviously from health issues. Maybe she had a heartattack or something, who knows.
k.w.a 8:54PM (11/29/2007)
something about pickup truck drivers... i guess they don't care if their truck is dented. I smacked my brand new volvo into some guys silverado and he didn't give a sh*t...meanwhile i was freaking out haha
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DonLaw 1:28PM (11/30/2007)
Haha... I love cars, but my Ford Ranger has a few dents on it and it doesnt bother me at all!
JGuan 9:04PM (11/29/2007)
I saved a shopping cart from running into a parked 977 Carrera S with my 2000 Honda Civic LX once. Lucky it hit my front tire since they were turned. Too pad the owner of the 911 wasn't there to see.
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Doogie Fullhouser 12:37PM (11/30/2007)
Awesome! Way to be...
Xcountryflyer 9:11PM (11/29/2007)
I have driven over the Golden Gate plenty of times and when all 6 lanes of the bridge is being used there is nothing but a series of plastic orange upright lane markers to keep someone from going right over into oncoming traffic. Whenever I go over it, I turn my lights on and keep my eyes peeled and try to stay out of the center lanes.
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