very close call

[Nebraska Kirk]

Just a reminder that no matter how careful one is, accidents still happen.

I was driving this Grove 15 ton crane on tuesday, was going about 35-40 when it started drifting to the right, whether the steering seized up or what, I don't know, all I know is that I was unable to turn the steering wheel, I stomped on the brake, but don't remember stomping on the clutch. As the crane started tilting the door flew open and all I could think of was to hang on to the steering wheel and stay in the cab. There is a seatbelt, but I was not wearing it. I could very easily have fallen out of the cab and been crushed. It is only by the grace of the LORD that I am still here with only a minor scrapes and bruises. So, guys...be careful and WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS!!!!!!!

Winching upright.

This is where I was.

 

[Lanse]

Wow. Glad we still have ya!!! Welcome back!!

 

[keh]

Glad you made it ok, Kirk. You kept a cool head in very bad circumstances.

KEH

 

[Pat H.]

Kirk, glad for your presence of mind to ride it out and stay with the crane. That's using your head in a split-second decision crisis. Someone must have surely been looking out for you. Best regards.

Pat

 

[georgeky]

Kirk, glad you are OK. Never know what could happen at any time.

 

[Logan in S.E. Texas]

(reply to post at 17:56:38 08/19/07) [/quot
Very glad you are ok Kirk.
We lost a construction heavy equipmenmt operator at my plant last week. 25 yr old man, very sad. Was run over by a bulldozer that he was operating, got off to look at something and somehow when getting back on, he seemingly bumped it into gear while not in the seat, lost his footing and was crushed. It only takes a second for the worst to happen. So Glad you are ok.......

 

[Old Timer in Ohio]

I thank God you survived such
a close call.As I am sure you
also thanked him. Bob
God Bless

 

[Don-Wi]

Sounds like yours was quite a bit scarier than mine.

I was driving a tractor up the road on Friday and 1 car passed me and had plenty of time and room, but a second car was passing the passer as the1st car ewas at my side. This was a 2 lane road and we were 2 cars and a tractor wide. PLus there was an on-coming car that had to slam on the brakes to avoid a head-on with the second moron. All I could do was winch in anticipation of a big crash that thankfully didn't happen.

Donovan from Wisconsin

I should also mention that I was over to the right only enough to let the 1st car pass safely because at that point in the road the shoulder was asphalt as well. If it's gravel, I don't want anything to do with it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Close calls happen fast don't they.