An Open Letter To The Woman I Accidentally Terrified In West Duluth Sunday Night
I thought I was doing the right thing, but in hindsight, I may have frightened a young woman last night in West Duluth. I was just trying to help!
I was driving down 40th avenue west from over the hill. I reached the bottom of the hill at the stoplight at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 40th avenue west. Right near Tortoise and Hare footwear.
It was around 5:20 pm and it was already dark with it being January and all. It was dark enough that I almost didn't notice the car in the opposite direction of the stop light. The only reason I saw it, was because I saw a turn signal. They had no headlights on!
I figured they must have just started the car and there were enough street lights that they didn't notice they didn't have their headlights on. But from our view, you could barely see them. I flashed my headlights off and on a few times, but the other vehicle didn't get the hint. Then I thought maybe there was an electrical problem or something. Either way, this car was about to turn on a busy street in the dark with no headlights or taillights. This could spell disaster.
I actually was in an accident once years ago as a passenger with a vehicle that didn't have its headlights on. It seems like common sense, but it happens more often than you think.
The car turned west on Grand and I happened to be the vehicle right behind them. I watched as they crossed several intersections and I got a knot in my stomach. I really don't want to witness an accident. When she got to the next red stop light I decided I needed to get their attention.
I flashed my lights and honkey my horn. The car finally pulled over. I pulled up alongside and rolled down my window, motioning for this young woman to do the same. She wouldn't. She had a frightened look and just kind of stared at me. I yelled to her to roll down her window. She still wouldn't. Then I yelled, "Turn on your headlights!" She got the message. She turned her headlights on and gave me a thumbs-up.
Sure, I can see why this might be a little scary, especially for a young woman in a car flagged down by a guy in a pickup truck. Hopefully, she realized I was just looking out for her.
.I ran this by my co-host Lauren this morning to see if she thinks I was aggressive. Her answer actually surprised me. You can listen back to that podcast on demand on our website or app.