What Would You Do?

To the Editor:

While driving down Stony Hill Road Monday evening I was alarmed to noticed a man lying on the side of the road. He was lying there, partially in the roadway with shopping bags fallen over beside him. It was clear that he was in distress and needed help.

I pulled off to the side to assist in anyway that I could. The man said that he had fallen after getting off the bus and was unable to get up due to being physically disabled. He had been there for quite sometime and was chilled to the bone. I was freezing myself and had only been standing there for a short amount of time. After trying to lift the man myself and failing I tried to flag a car down. One by one they passed, no one stopped. Dozens of cars drove by. I could not believe it! I went up to cars that were stopped at the traffic light and asked for help, they all turned away. Route 6 is a busy road, especially at that time of day, and not one driver helped. After 20 minutes I gave up and called 911.

Maybe people were in a rush to get home or maybe they were too engrossed in their cellphone conversation. Whatever the excuse, none could be justifiable. I would hope that people would help a stranger in need at anytime of the year but especially being the holiday season I was more disturbed by the lack of compassion. The holidays are not just a time to give iPods and Webkinz but to give of yourself. Let’s reflect on the true meaning. Just imagine a man lying on the side of the road. What would you do?

Joan Allison

32 Sugar Street, Newtown                                        December 5, 2007