01/17/2026
While driving up Tates Creek last night in the rain, a special needs man in his late twenties sprinted out in traffic in front of me.
I locked up my brakes, but could not stop in time to avoid him. I hit him at about 35ish mph, I would guess. He flipped up over my car and landed in the turn lane, and didn’t move for several seconds. I prayed he was alive while I called 911 and began walking back to where he landed.
By the time I reached him, he was conscious, sitting up, and holding his leg. When EMS pulled up a few seconds later, he started talking about riding in an ambulance…which he was convinced would be an inconvenience.
Witnesses, including his caregiver, who was on scene, all said there was nothing I could have done to avoid hitting him.
This could have been SO much worse.
The slight nausea from my adrenaline dump wore off after I got home, and I’m fine. He seemed to be ok too, except for maybe a broken leg and a missing shoe.
Praying for a FULL recovery. 🙏🏼
I’m sorry he got hit at all, but I’m convinced me seeing him, stomping on my brakes, and being in a small passenger car saved his life. Had I been in a big truck, or not paying attention, this would have been much worse. I’m also thankful that he didn’t land in front of oncoming traffic. He came to a stop only 3 feet or so from traffic doing 55 MPH in the opposite direction.
Scary for sure, but thankful for a God who protects all His children.
