A happy ending – this time

It happened in Florida this past week.  16 year old Rachel Malcolm was driving her 8 year old sister and 7 year old brother to school, down I-95.  They were going 70m/h (113km/h).

Rachel started seeing double, and went to pull over.  And passed out.

Her sister Jessica moved fast, climbed onto the front seat and grabbed the steering wheel.  Rachel’s legs were blocking the brakes.  They were in danger of smashing head on into the trees, or ending up on an exit ramp.  John reached forward and grabbed the emergency brake, and they finally got the car stopped, far enough to the right to avoid the ramp and far enough to the left to avoid the trees.

Rachel was suffering from a migraine.  Naturally, the news story didn’t say whether or not Rachel already had a migraine when she started the trip.  But this should be a good reminder to all of us – be cautious about driving with a migraine.  Use your best judgement.

Also, be cautious if you have a severe headache unlike anything you’ve had before.  You should be on your way to the doctor – but get someone to drive you or call a taxi.  If you know your own symptoms well, be responsible and if in doubt, don’t get behind the wheel.

It’s great that this story ended so well, thanks to the quick thinking of Jessica and John [link no longer available]!