PSA when you can take a DEFENSIVE driving course, it might save your life...

so today I took parents to see my sister, brother in law and nephews. We are going at highway speed when the wheel starts to shake. I kept control of my car... (don't ask what I did, since I have no clue beyond training took over.)

So I managed to get it to the emergency lane from freeway speeds safely, wheel still shaking and at that moment the smell of rubber and bluish smoke became rather intense.

My front tire, driver's side, failed catastrophically. The rim is probably trashed as I drove on it for a little while as I got it to a safe place. But beyond some damage to the car, the need for a new tire, frayed nerves and probably a new rim... we are fine. Oh and I doubt dad even noticed how close we probably came to a major accident.

Oh and my taxes at work. The jack in sister's car didn't work. Well City Governments has this program of roving vehicles to do emergency repairs. Thank you guys and gals, didn't know you existed until today, but what a professional job!

But yes, that course I had to take as an emergency vehicle operator years, decades ago, saved my life and that of my parents today. Usually accidents like that one lead to people going to the hospital or the morgue. I saw a few as a medic. So yes, I am thankful training took over, and I would advise people to take a defensive driving course if they can.

I know a lot of people here would be really upset if anything had happened to you.

Ok, so, I've been wondering for a long time, are you Mika's sister?

Brzezinski is the Smith of Poland

:-)

And trust me I am also glad that training took over. Mom noticed how dangerous it was once I came to a full stop. Dad is still oblivious.