Wednesday, October 3, 2007

What Happened

Someone asked me the other day "Did they find out what happened?" regarding the accident. I was kind of taken by surprised by this question because I pretty much have always known the gist of what happened. Of course I don't know particular details but this person mentioned that in the newspaper he saw that it said "speed might have been a factor". Again I was surprised by this because I realized all of a sudden that generally speaking people may not know some basic facts regarding the accident.
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This is what I know:
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After a normal 7:30 to 4:30ish day at work, Joe went to Hannaford to pick us up something to grill for dinner. It was Wednesday and we had not seen each other since Sunday. It was a beautiful day. He was riding his motorcycle, as he did most days from Spring to Fall.
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He left Hannaford, and began the 6 1/2 mile drive home.
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Joe was driving the speed limit or slower (according to the police) and a dump truck pulling a flat bed trailer traveling in the opposite direction, took a left hand turn, drove directly into his path, leaving Joe with nowhere to go.
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Joe used his brakes, could not stop in time, and collided with the trailer, as I understand it. I have driven by this place many, many times because I have to to get mostly anywhere. I have not found the courage to stop as of yet to inspect the area myself. However, while driving, I am disturbed every single time I see how short and straight the skid mark is.
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Joe was not speeding.
Joe's motorcycle was in excellent operating condition, with his headlight on.
Joe was wearing a helmet.
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Joe was riding his motorcycle straight down the road on a beautiful summer day, going home to his wife whom he hadn't seen in 3 days.
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There were several witnesses that saw what happened.
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I have to say the next things because I want to state the obvious so there are no questions:
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In terms of Joe, there was no speeding involved.
In terms of Joe, there was no alcohol involoved.
In terms of Joe, there were no drugs involved.
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I can say those things regarding Joe, because the police detective told me that "Joe was doing everything right". He specifically said that they do not believe that Joe was speeding.
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I have no information about the driver of the dump truck.
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The police continue their investigation and I am told that it will be months before they close the case. At that time the State will decide whether or not to press criminal charges. That has nothing to do with me at all. The truth is that I have only spoken to the police two times since this all began. You have to understand that regardless of what they find out, my husband is still gone. Nothing changes that for me or for my children.
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So that is what I know about the accident.
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2 comments:

Steph said...

I hate the fact that all of that is true...that it's your life....but I'm grateful that you are able to write about it. You grow stronger with each passsing day, and I am in awe of your strength.

Jody said...

Hi Robin!
I came across this site several weeks ago by accident. On some level I found it for a reason. As with many others I am so glad it is here. It is so great to understand how you are feeling without making you repeat it over and over. So many of us are here if you need us...