We had a terrible Saturday, our oldest daughter Lindsey was headed home from Purdue when she had a head on collision. She was on US 421 and intersection of County Road 300, in Francesville. As she drove north, there was a vehicle in front of her turning, so she had slowed down. She started gaining speed, about 40-45 mph and she noticed there was a southbound car stopped to wait for her to pass so he could turn. A handicap driver accessible van failed to notice that the car in front of them was stopped, instead of rear ending the stopped car, or driving into the ditch she swerved into oncoming traffic which was into Lindsey's path and they hit head on. The woman was in her 50's and was driving from a wheelchair, she and her husband were headed to a wedding. A medi-vac helicopter came for the handicap woman's care and before they got her out of the van she stopped breathing. They worked on her awhile, and before they got her in the helicopter she had passed away. I believe they said her aorta was torn. From what I understand they cannot put airbags in these types of vehicles. This one accident proves the difference between having an airbag vs/not. Her husband had gotten out of the passenger side to check on Lindsey and kept telling her it was not her fault but kept her updated on his wife's condition and even told Lindsey he was frightened for his wife. We refused a ride in the ambulance to their hospital but went straight to ours (Porter in Valpo). They did an X-ray of Lindsey's chest and foot, and all seems pretty good. There's a bump on the top of her foot, the doctor was somewhat concerned about it, but didn't see a break? it's very swollen and they have her in a walking boot. She has seat belt burns on her hips and from the shoulder straps, but we'll take those any day. The airbag hit her face and her nose is pretty sore, nothing like it's gonna be tomorrow:( Tonite she took muscle relaxers and vicodin and here I am watching her sleep on the couch and its 2:30am! She is one lucky girl...thank you everyone for all the concern you've given on facebook!
The smile on her face is because she is alive and well (and in shock)
We pray for the woman that lost her life and to her husband as he will have to deal with his life without her:(
I hate that area of the road you are talking about. I know excatly where it is and it can be a very dangerous intersection.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad they finally put in at 400 North in Michigan city. I don't know how many times I almost got hit there.
I used to work in LaPorte Indiana.
I always took 421 to route 2. Driving past Purdue before they put the stop lights was nerve racking too. Then that stupid big hill South of the school to was bad and is still bad. I wish they would put a light there.
I'm just glad your daughter was safe.
Vera
I meant put in a light as 400 north
ReplyDeletethank you proudmoms for your concern, I believe you looked at my blog before I was finished, my daughter does attend PNC, her accident was in Francesville coming home from the main campus. Whatever the case, its wonderful having followers as yourself:) Thank you sooo much, every comment helps a bleeding heart.
ReplyDeleteAwe your welcome.
ReplyDeletenot sure where Francesville is but I am sure we have drove through it.
got to run
Vera
So thankful. Your kids need you and we need them. :)
ReplyDeleteLove ya SISSY
Love ya Norm
So happy that Lindsey is doing okay. I'm sorry you all had to go through such a horrible thing! You are all in my prayers.
ReplyDelete