Pulling into our driveway late on a dark, rainy Sunday evening, after spending the last four hours gritting our teeth driving through traffic that at times seemed almost maniacal, was such a total emotional crash that even our dogs were completely spent. If someone ever tells you dogs can't feel their owner's emotions, they're wrong. In fact, pets are very good at picking up emotional vibes from humans, and this evening was no different. Our 94 day camping trip was over and we were glad to home safely.
The last four hours were without doubt the most dangerous part of our five thousand mile journey. We were incredibly tense in the heavy, incessant rain on Interstate 75, especially when we encountered the road construction near Tampa in the dim light and splashing water that the wipers couldn't seem to get off the windshield fast enough.
Traffic was incredibly dangerous as people really begin to believe the automobile ads on television about driving the Nürburgring or Pikes Peak, or wherever immortal, invincible drivers speed magically along with no regard to crashing. Rain and low visibility made no difference to many drivers who more than once almost brushed the edge of the road or even each other.
Pulling a twenty-one foot travel trailer, we were sitting ducks, no matter how slowly I drove. I had on my emergency flashers as well as the trailer clearance lights mounted just below the top of the trailer, as well as the taillights. Yes! Anything to catch the attention of these imbeciles! Many other drivers had their flashers on as well, but we saw many speeding drivers with no lights at all!
As the indestructible drivers zoomed by in spray so thick you couldn't make out their taillights, I could only wonder why there hadn't been more massive pileups out here on the fringe of human intellect.
“SARASOTA, FL — At least 52 people were taken to local hospitals after a massive pileup on Interstate 75 involving 47 vehicles, according to Florida Highway Patrol. No fatalities have been reported. FHP said there are at least 12 separate crash investigations with more to follow in the incident that occurred in the southbound lanes near the I-75/University Parkway interchange.” From the Herald Staff Report, Bradenton Herald 10/05/2012
The above accident happened just the other day, a little south of Tampa on I-75, but the same drivers, I'm sure. Yes, it was raining.
“JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --There were 20 crashes in a 4-mile area on the west side Friday afternoon. According to Captain Keith Gaston with the Florida Highway Patrol, 18 people were taken to the hospital, but none of the injuries were serious. The wrecks closed parts of I-10 during the afternoon west but all lanes of I-10 were reopened as of 7:45 pm Friday.” Written by Jessika Lewis , FCN News, Jacksonville, FL
