So I almost killed someone today

Just admit it and raise your hand if you opened this post thinking you could slam me for saying something stupid about almost killing someone.

Well, it is true but it would not have been with any intent.

I was driving at a slow speed in the parking lot at Ikea. It had just started to rain a little bit. There was a kid who looked to be about 17 cruising on his skateboard perpendicular to where I was driving. He was moving toward my car but he was not going very fast. As he saw my car approaching, the idiot sped up by pumping with one foot to gain speed. I guess he thought he could get across where I was I driving. Wrong. He fell down right in front of my car. I cannot even imagine what would be if I had bad brakes or if I was going a bit faster. I was able to stop with a few feet left between my car and him. Idiot was not wearing a helmet. He took quite a spill, not just a little fall where a person lands on their knee. I had to sit there and wait while he brushed himself off. He seemed okay but I'm not even sure. I started to roll down my window. Part of me wanted me to ask if he was okay but I knew that all I would say was, "go to a f-ing skate park." Both of our lives could have changed in an instant because of him.

I don't dislike kids who skateboard. It was very popular when I was a kid. As long as my son lives with me, he will not be leaving the house with a skateboard unless I know exactly where he is going. He can forget skateboarding among moving cars.

There were other kids in the parking lot but I do not know if he was with them. I'm sort of hoping that he felt like an *** falling in front of them. My DH thinks that the whole thing may have been a dare from his friends.

Re: So I almost killed someone today

Such a scary feeling and it drives me crazy when they do it in a parking lot NEAR cars! There is always a part that nobody ever parks in. I'm sure it was a real eye opener to remain cautious and aware behind the wheel.

Re: So I almost killed someone today

I'm glad everything worked out - it is a scary feeling I am sure. I almost ran over my neighbor's dog on Saturday (going 10 miles an hour he darted in front of my car) and I'm still shaken - I can't imagine if it was a person!

Re: So I almost killed someone today

I always think of that whenever I pass kids on bikes or skateboards - you assume they won't swerve in front of your car if they know you're there. But what if they fall?

I'm glad everyone is ok!!

Re: So I almost killed someone today

i'm just happy everyone is ok

i was nervous just reading your post

Re: So I almost killed someone today

I would have had a heart attack.. I am glad everyone is ok..

Re: So I almost killed someone today

How scary, let's hope he learned his lesson although I'm sure there are dozens more that would pull that same stupid stunt unfortunately.

Re: So I almost killed someone today

Message edited 6/16/2009 1:53:07 PM.

Re: So I almost killed someone today

Actually, from the thread title, I knew it was something car related!

There are several skateboarders in my home parking lot. I really think the majority of them have hit their heads once too many times They do the most idiotic things.... it's like they're daring death. I'm surprised that more of them don't get hit or near misses........

I'll admit it, I don't like them. Basically becuase they're more often than not they're 1) acting moronic, 2) flagrantly jumping in front of moving vehicles, and 3) look like they haven't bathed or washed their clothes in quite a while.

I'm glad you managed to avert a disaster.... more for your sanity than his safety. $10 says he will do the same thing tomorrow.

Re: So I almost killed someone today

This kind of stuff and people on "crotch rockets" make me so nervous. I always see them weaving in and out of traffic - they come so close to my car and I am just driving along! I mean, if I hit them and they get seriously injured or killed, my life and theirs will forever be changed. Their parents will probably find a way to blame me, sue me, etc. It is terrible!