To the Editor: Deer Collision

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Deer Collision

Recently my car collided with a deer on Crozet Avenue. It was sudden and shocking. Luckily I wasn’t going very fast and stopped to see the deer going back down the hill it had come from. But I am a senior and not quite as resilient as I was years ago and the sudden shock to my body caused an immediate head throbbing, neck pain and difficulty walking. I was able to move the car to the side of the road, assuming that someone behind me would stop and help. Instead, the two cars behind me just sped up and passed my car. I was in shock and tried to reach back to find my cell phone that I had left in the back, but my neck hurt too much. So, I got out of the car and tried to wave two more cars down to call the police, but neither would stop or even slow up.

Finally, a lovely woman stopped her car to help me. I told her that my head hurt and she could see that I wasn’t able to walk well and helped me to sit in my car and then went to find her cell phone to call the police, as we could not find mine. She told me that she was hearing impaired and wanted me to speak to them. But I couldn’t talk right away, so she told them what had happened.

Within a few minutes, both the police and ambulance arrived. The two ambulance drivers, Ariana and Jack, helped me into the ambulance and gave me a very competent check. When I decided not to go to the hospital and was concerned about getting home, they were so reassuring and kind, telling me that if I changed my mind, I could call back at any time and they would take me to the hospital.

The officer who came was equally professional, attentive and kind in asking his questions, checking my car for drivability, suggesting next steps and reassuring me when I asked, that he would follow me back to my home. He gave me his card and said to call him for any reason. I drove my car home very slowly, and he was behind me all the way. I cannot say how much safer I felt that he did that and am so grateful for his kindness.

The professionalism and the personal kindness and caring of the ambulance team, who are volunteers, and the officer in charge were exemplary. They are a credit to their professions and the Crozet community is very lucky to have them support us.

And to my initial rescuer, who left before I could get your name: You renewed my confidence in the innate kindness of people, especially after the people in the four cars before you ignored me. I don’t know your name but have seen and/or met you before, perhaps in the library, and will never forget both your kindness and efficiency. You knew exactly what to do! I hope that I will someday be able to thank you in person.

Octavia Allis
Crozet

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