Dennis Russell
Chief. Wintergreen Police

Normally, I would start off my article by reminding motorists of our community-wide 25 MPH speed limit but will save that for later. Recently, I was headed home on Highway 151. Probably reflecting on the days’ accomplishments when my attention was drawn to a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. As we drew closer to one another it became obvious that the vehicle was moving into my lane. My first thought was the driver was distracted by something and would correct their course.

Unfortunately, that was not the case, and the vehicle was steadily moving into my lane. Everyone has heard the stories about prior to something bad happening time begins to slow down. I am here to say that this is most definitely the case and add that when you realize this is happening it is even more alarming.

Now, someone would say Dennis, over your 38-year law enforcement career you have had training in emergency vehicle operation, and that would be true. My specialized training has been on a closed course with probably predictable outcomes. When you are out in the real world there are plants, trees, rock walls, and other obstacles you must account for.

It became obvious that the oncoming vehicle was coming into my lane, so evasive maneuvers were necessary. Realizing that a head-on collision was imminent, I looked to my right and noticed a parking lot with a five-inch raised concrete berm outlining the lot. Remember time has slowed down, but in reality, we were seconds away from a head-on crash.

I could see the driver and their passenger, and the look on their faces of what they knew was about to happen. Knowing that this type of crash usually results in serious injuries it was time to put my driver training into motion. I swerved to the right barely missing the concrete berm, which would have ruptured the driver’s side tires causing even more maneuverability issues. I noticed my ABS light flash as the vehicle came to a stop in the parking lot.

In my rearview mirror, the other vehicle that had crossed over into my lane was behind me. As I exited the vehicle my knees were weak, which indicated that my adrenaline had obviously kicked in. Collecting my thoughts, I approached the vehicle, and my first instinct was to ask what the hell was wrong with the person that was driving the car that almost put three people in the hospital, or worse.

However, I noticed that the driver, a young female, was obviously shaken, upset, and appeared to be crying. By the time I reached her car door my father instincts had kicked in and my concern was for her and the passengers’ well-being. She explained that the vehicle behind her had been riding her bumper for quite a while. At one point it appeared that the other driver was going to hit her, and she panicked.

Knowing that everyone was okay and no damage to either vehicle occurred, I felt that she had been through enough mental trauma and gave her a stern (fatherly) warning to drive carefully. I got back into my car and was thankful that we all were okay. I probably gained a few more grey hairs, but for those who know me, it’s not easy to tell.

 The moral of the story is always to be vigilant when operating a motor vehicle. You never know what could happen and you cannot control the actions of others around you. In my opening comment, I mentioned our community-wide speed limit of 25 MPH. Please remember that speed limits are not posted so we can catch you speeding it is to remind you to be safe.

This feature first appeared in the Wintergreen Valley Association’s Informer newsletter