• by laura , January 17, 2008

I'm driving down the snow covered road, mindful of the time and the important meeting that is less than ten minutes away. A four way stop is ahead, I begin to brake, nothing happens. The back tires slide from underneath. I've lost control. I pump the brakes as every sense, every smell, every sound becomes very distinct. I feel a thud and I've stopped. I've hit a stop sign and from the looks of it the sign has done more damage to me than I did to it. I slowly reverse and pull over. I can hear the beat of my heart. Hands still shaking I pull my cell phone out of my purse. This is my life line. This is my way to call and let the world know what happened. First instinct -no one else was involved and the car can still drive-call mom.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Nothing.

Call Again. Ring. Ring. Ring.

Nothing.

I called all Six phone numbers my parents have. Nothing.

After the adrenaline wears off I find myself agitated. We bought all this technology and keep it with us so if things like this happen we can call for help. I decide to give up and drive the five minutes to the meeting. Afterwards, my parents call and we get everything sorted out.

Word to the Wise:
If you have a digital security blanket like a cell phone, keep it turned on and with you. You never know when a stop sign will attack.