David Williams from Wayne, MI is my HERO!

[marie meijer]

A tire blew out on my car on a curve, just before the 7 Mile exit, as I headed North on I 75, Detroit. We suspect a pothole caused the flat. The next day several cars experienced flat tires due to a big pothole at another location on I 75. I 75 is a major highway that extends from the Mackinaw Bridge in Northern Michigan into Southern Florida. I was returning from playing VP at Windsor Casino. I was in the left, fasssst lane and landed easily enough on the shoulder. Technically, the speed limit suggestion is 70 MPH.I did what a three year old might do and dialed 911. A gal connected me to the State Police. That gal knew enough to ask for my vehicle description and which side of I 75. "Stay in the car and keep your doors locked", she coached, the same words my husband echoed soon after, on the cell phone. They notified MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) Courtesy Van. Passing trucks and cars rocked my car in the noon hour heavy traffic. This made reading my book a tad difficult. Mostly I watched cars swerve out around me when they could and then cut back into the fast lane, ahead of me. This is required by state law, when possible. No one in their right mind would stop to help in that dangerous situation and no one did. David Williams, a big brave dude from Wayne, MI, with a big, friendly smile, parked his MDOT van with flashing lights behind my car and quickly changed my tire. He was required to verify I had called and that I had to stay in the car. He refused to take a tip saying it was not allowed and we were on camera. It was 38 degrees and he cheerfully said he was warm and layered. Thanks again, David Williams, of Wayne, MI.

[marie meijer]

This MDOT Courtesy Van program is funded by a grant. I strongly urge this program be continued to help keep everyone safe, when needed. In 2008, there were 24 MDOT Courtesy Vans and 24 drivers on patrol in SE MI and in two nearby counties. I usually have a message to share when I post. Seize the day and be grateful when all is flowing smoothly! Expect the unexpected! Have your charged cell phone with you! Stock your car with survival items to help contend with emergencies!

[Lucky Larry]

marie,
Glad to hear everything worked out OK. I had an incident where a courtesy van rescued me when my truck broke down on a major toll way. A second "big thanks" to those wonderful public service workers.

BTW: The charged cell phone can also be used to play video poker while waiting after the emergency call?

[marie meijer]

TY, LL.  Just to be on the safe side, I stashed Canadian and US $, credit cards, ATM cards, passport, ETC all over the car. I can only hope I retrieved them all! At least I did not have to worry about a car jacking! The newish tire was covered by ins. I think hubby suggested I not visit casinos any more but I could not hear him clearly. I gave David Williams a glowing report and encouraged a bonus and raise for him.