would you stop?

[jcorderaz]

A couple weekends ago, we were headed home from RP and had a blowout on the 5er half way towards Sonoita. Turns out we had no jack, as it was stolen when the truck was stolen back in October.

Anyway, we got the tire changed and headed on our way, but there were probably 50 US cars/trucks that passed, and not one stopped to see if we needed help.

What has your experience been?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[JimMcG]

Good question. On the rare occasion that I have been stuck, someone, most often a Mexican has stopped to help me. In appreciation over the years I have stopped many times night and day and rescued several people with gas, towing, a ride and even a quick temporary repair. Americans are generally much better equipped and more knowledgeable on how to handle emergencies than a typical Mexican family and often did not need help when I have stopped. One exception was when I loaded an American family with children and atcs on an empty trailer I was towing and dropped them at their place in Playa Encanto after securing their disabled suv at the Mexican government park compound at Nayarit. Generally If people are obviously flagging me down I will stop to help.

Today is a little riskier than in the past due to the proliferation of crime and drug violence and so it is on a case by case basis that I will stop to pick people up.

 

[Dezracer]

Yes I would stop if you waived me down...but if you were just pulled over on the side of the road, I dont know if you are taking a piss or if you had things under control.

 

[bahiatrader]

I would like to relate an experience that might be worth consideration. This happened in the US, but I imagine it could happen anywhere. My wife and I were returning to our resort park after an evening at the casinos. As we approached the entrance to the park we saw a body lying in the road. There was something fishy or puzzling about it. Maybe it was the unrumpled condition of the body. Maybe it was the lack of blood on the pavement. I also noticed a car on the side of the road about 100' past the body with it's lights turned off. To my wife's amazement, I pulled past the body, turned into the entrance and stopped a couple of hundred feet off the road while I prepared to cal 911 on my cell phone. After I stopped, the body jumped up and ran towards the car which picked him up, and they drove off. I called the police instead. I was told that was the modus operandi for some local muggings and robberies in the area. I believe in helping anyone in need, but I also believe in vigilance. I might stop, but I would also try to be prepared for any adversity.

 

[jerry]

bahia.....now I'm going to have to use fake blood when i'm out car Jackin.
After breaking down last year on I-10 with a trailer overloaded with hay and having nobody stop until and hour laterwhen another guy with a overloaded hay trailer stopped and helped me unload enough to get the crappy jack to work(he didn't even have a jack) I now only stop for broken down trailers driven by old bald guys(any race,creed or color) with puzzled looks on their faces.

 

[bahiatrader]

It's really unfortunate when you need to be wary of helping someone out. I was also told, at least in Tamaulipas where I lived that it was unwise to help anyone who is injured unless they ask for help. If you help without being ask, you're liable for them and obligated to take care of them even financially.
A few years back I had a single vehicle accident between Puerto Penasco and Sonoyta. I hung upside down for about 2 1/2 hr. by the seatbelt in my pickup. When I came too, I saw two sets of feet standing in the grass outside the driver's window right along side of me. I heard two voices talking. I said, "Hey guys, I could use a little help here." After I remembered where I was, I ask them for help in Spanish. They immediately reached down, un-snapped my seat belt and took me out of the truck. I don't know if they were waiting for me to ask for help or not.
The Cruz Roja (Mexican Red Cross) took me to the border where I was transferred to a US Red Cross Ambulance that took me to St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. I had to pay for the US ambulance ride, but there was no charge from the Cruz Roja. I made a small donation, and I donate every time I see them collecting on the road. I encourage others to do so also.

 

[JimMcG]

In recent years due to our very litigious US society the 'Good Samaritan Laws' had to be passed in order to shield first responders and off duty medical personnel from lawsuits incurred as a result of voluntarily stopping to help accident victims.

Urban legend also has it that some military personnel serving is S E Asia during the Vietnam era were told that it was cheaper if a local was killed versus injured in an accident involving US vehicles and locals.

Almost always the Mexican Red Cross gets top marks for their acts of mercy.

 

[bahiatrader]

I heard that urban legend too. One guy advised if they loook like they're in bad shape, just kill 'em. I never had the opportunity to make that decision. If there is a Cood Samaritan shield, I imagine the info about it will take a while to get around. If I need help, I'll sure ask for it if I can.

 

[playaperro]

I will stop if your hood is up and are dressed like beach bums, If you look kind of rough, you
might have to wait for the green angels

 

[rockyptjoe]

Back before EVERYBODY had cell phones, I would stop on occasion....now, hardly ever.....but it depends on the circumstance and the temperature (desert + high temp + no water = life threatening) . The same comment holds true in the states. I can't see stopping to help an able bodied person (male or female) to change a flat....when they have a jack and a spare......they just don't want to work up a sweat or get their hands dirty!!!

BTW, if you have a gsm phone, you have coverage almost the entire length between Sonoita and Puerto Penasco.

 

[Jim]

I stop very often. Unless it looks blatently suspicious I help if I can. The first time I came to Rocky Point I had a couple young guys from Sonoita with me. They showed me around. I still see them around now and then and say HI. I have been helped out many, many times in my life and just find it hard not to. I grew up in Minnesota in the late 70's when there were no cell phones. People died when no one stopped to help.