What happened to being a good neighbor?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dave on August 22, 2008 at 11:30am

I think most people assume everyone owns a cell phone and, therefore, that your daughter had called for assistance already. When I go by stalled cars I look to see if the person is on a cell phone, and if they are I assume they don't need my help, and continue along. This may explain people's initial reaction, as I assume from your description of events she had called you from inside her vehicle.

Later, passer-bys saw your car behind hers with both vehicles flashers on, and assumed the situation was being addressed (which was correct, you had called a tow truck and were waiting).

It seems like the series of events that unfolded is what most people would have done in the same situation. Because people going by saw clues that indicated that the situation was evolving to a successful conclusion and being handled as they would if they were in it, that may be why no-one stopped.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by once banned twice shy on August 22, 2008 at 11:51am

Dave, that's nice. I think most people are just self-centered jerks anymore--which explains the gestures, obscenities and honking.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lee on August 22, 2008 at 2:18pm

fact of the matter is both replies are probably right to a degree.
If I saw two cars along the road with two people.. I would assume something is in progress. But you are right.. you were blocking the road.. it would be nice for EVERYONE if someone had stopped to get you off the road, out of danger and not blocking traffic.. whether help was on the way or not.

Part of what I love about Albuquerque is how friendly people are, how courteous people (in general) are on the road (compared to other places I have lived). It pains me.. and I mean this seriously, it really makes me sad when I see people flipping one another off, being rude and selfish on the road. It makes me sad because I am afraid that as enough people from "other" places move here, they will bring with them their bad habits, their impatience and their rude driving habits.,..and that someday Abq. will be just like all the other places I have lived.

Yeah.. I know I am one of those people who came here from "other" places.. but I really have made an honest effort to let people get over when they need too, to use blinkers, not to tailgate (i.e. to shed as many of my bad, rude driving habits I picked up elsewhere) and just be friendlier. Odd thing is.. when I have done so.. I actually feel better, even if it took 2.3 seconds longer to get home.

Your post just reminds me to add another thing to that list. I promise the next time I see someone stalled out.. unless there is a cop or a tow truck present.. I will stop and see if there is something I can do.. promise

So.. if you were wondering.. your post has already done some good.

hope it all worked out well ..

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by CB on August 22, 2008 at 2:52pm

Lee,

Maybe I am sensitive because I too am one of those "other" people who came here. But I find it somewhat irritating that people tend to blame the non-native New Mexicans for all the rudeness that goes on here. I think I am a pretty nice, laid back, considerate person. I am sure there are many more who are the same, both native and non-native, just as I am sure there are many rude people who have always lived here and ones that are new to NM.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hairy McLairy on August 22, 2008 at 3:22pm

I have been flipped off more times by someone's beloved Abuela in Albuquerque, than by any lowriders.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lee on August 22, 2008 at 3:52pm

CB:

Wow.. that is so not how any of that was intended.
I'm sorry you missed that, please accept my apologies.

hehe... I tell you what.. there were days in those other places..where it would have been a pleasure to have just been flipped off by someones grandmother.. man we are talking "road.. rage"

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by CB on August 22, 2008 at 8:28pm

Lee

I appreciate that and again tend to be sensitive about being somewhat new here. Some are okay with it, others have told me to go home . But I do agree with you that we all need to try and remember to be considerate and treat each other well even when we are having off days no matter where we live!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura on August 22, 2008 at 3:18pm

It could be that some people just don't care, but I think a lot of people do what Dave does...check for signs that things are under control or that the person is using a cell phone. I'll stop if it's a parent with kids or an elderly person without a phone and no sign of help. Otherwise, I'll pull over and call police for help.

I can certainly understand your frustration and disbelief, but in this day and age, phone + family/friends may be the safest bet, especially for a teenage girl. Consider the other side of the coin: not everyone who stops to help has good intentions--believe me, I've learned this the hard way. It's an unfortunate commentary on our society, but good samaritans aren't always what they seem to be.

I'm very glad that your daughter had a cell phone and that you were able to help. And I hope that her car is up and running again.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bluegoo on August 22, 2008 at 3:27pm

A few reasons why help was not offered. Wyoming has 2 to 3 lanes so the flow of traffic was not stopped much, if this happens on a 1 lane each way street help would have be given I think. And as the others have said you were helping. And there is the danger of helping push a car it takes about 3 guys to push a car.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Martini Mike on August 22, 2008 at 4:59pm

I would have helped. No, really. I am nice until people in general remind me nice guys finish last!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe S Sausage on August 22, 2008 at 7:09pm

Dude, if i would ever leave the north valley and would have driven by this scene, i would have pulled over and sparked up the grill, that's what i'm talkin' 'bout!!! Nice guys finish near the grill!!

▶ Reply to This