I watched someone die at a truck stop last night and I can't shake it
I don't even know why I'm posting this here. Maybe because I need somewhere to put it.
I was parked at a busy truck stop off the interstate last night, waiting out a mandatory rest period before my next run. It was late, maybe 2am, one of those weird quiet stretches where the lot is half full and the lights don't quite reach the back rows.
A driver — older guy, work boots, reflective vest — was walking between two rigs when a bobtail backing up just... didn't see him. I heard it before I saw it. The sound was wrong. People came running. Someone called 911. I got out and stood there like an idiot because there was nothing I could do.
Paramedics worked on him for a long time. A long time. And then they stopped.
The driver who hit him was sitting on the curb maybe 20 feet from me, face in his hands. He kept saying I didn't see him, I didn't see him over and over. I believe him. That lot was dark. Visibility was bad. It didn't matter — you could see it destroying him in real time.
I gave a statement to the police and then just sat in my cab until sunrise. Couldn't sleep. Still can't really eat.
I didn't know that man. But he showed up to work last night same as me. Same as any of us do.
I guess I'm posting because — if you drive for a living, please. Walk like they can't see you because sometimes they genuinely can't. And hug whoever you've got at home.
Rest easy, whoever you were.