Ride Smart, and Have Fun with your Friends, But . . .

by Anita Dinwiddie

You may have heard about Sandy Horn's accident by now. On a sunny day in late November, she was hit by a car on Hardin Valley Road within the first half-mile of our bike ride. It was a Vol football game day, and we had deliberately waited until kickoff time thinking most of Knoxville would be at the game, and hence less traffic. Fortunately, I was there with her to call for help, and to supply information to the EMT's and Police. I did, however, have to do a lot of nervous scrambling at the accident scene to gather all the information that was needed before I could meet Sandy at the hospital. Hindsight showed I was not prepared for the unexpected.

Here's a list of things to think about before your next ride with your friends.

• carry ID with you including address, phone, social security number, emergency contact, and a copy of your health insurance card - tell your riding buddies where you keep this!
• carry car keys with you and again, be sure your friends know where they are
• take a cell phone – every time you ride
• wear a helmet (this should be a NO-BRAINER, or you will have no brains!!)
• do not assume that if your friend goes down that he/she will be coherent enough to answer the simplest questions
• make eye contact with every driver who may potentially share the same space on the road with you and your bike. Like my husband George says, "keep your head on a swivel and look around at all times."
• know some basic First Aid; take a Red Cross class if needed

Sandy's accident happened so fast. The car ran a red light and never saw us until it was too late. I cannot express the sick feeling I had when I turned around and headed back to Sandy's motionless body lying on the pavement. A thousand things were racing through my mind. Knowing where she kept her ID and keys were NOT among those thoughts, but as it turned out, I needed to know that.

Accidents do happen. They may even happen to you or to a close friend. Take a few quick moments with your buddies before you ride to know where they keep their ID, keys, etc. And if you ride alone (and who doesn't?) be sure you carry these things with you and put them in an obvious pocket or pack so the emergency personnel can find them quickly. In the event of an accident, you may not be capable of telling anyone who you are or where to find your information. As bike riders, we are all very vulnerable on the roads. Chances are your rides will come and go without incident. Be prepared for that one in a thousand that does not.

I must add that I was impressed how quickly passersby came to our aid. Two cars stopped immediately to see if I needed a cell phone. An off-duty policeman helped me explain to the 911 operator where we were. An off-duty EMT stopped and asked Sandy so many questions I had to ask if he was a doctor. Complete strangers interrupted their busy days to stay with us, make phone calls, and offer a ride to the car, the hospital, or to stay with the bikes. I had all the help I needed in a helpless situation. Needless to say, I don't want to go through that one again. And I hope no one else has to either. Be careful out there. Ride smart, and ride safe.

(A note from Sandy: Since I am the person Anita was with when this happened, I want to add my thanks (and my mom’s) for her clear-headedness and invaluable assistance in this situation in which I couldn’t help myself. I am recuperating well and hope to be running again soon. I was lucky to have have a good friend and a good helmet to see me through it.)