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Take time to care about other drivers

There is a lot of attention paid to the homeless and addicted people in Parksville Qualicum Beach and elsewhere. My recent experience makes me wonder if that eliminates caring about others?
19032603_web1_PQN-Letters

There is a lot of attention paid to the homeless and addicted people in Parksville Qualicum Beach and elsewhere. My recent experience makes me wonder if that eliminates caring about others?

While returning from a medical treatment in Parksville on Oct. 17 on Hwy 19, a red symbol appeared on the dash of my car. Soon after, chimes began and became increasingly rapid.

I pulled off at Exit 60 to Qualicum and turned off the engine. The car was immediately engulfed with smoke/steam and remained that way for 30 minutes and then although diminished, was still quite visible.

Sitting there on the off ramp for more than an hour, with emergency flashes on and steam flowing, I was disappointed and surprised that not one person stopped.

Fortunately, I had a phone and BCAA arrived and the car was towed home. Kudos to Richard from Arrowsmith Automotive and Towing in Qualicum for being so helpful, caring and kind to an elderly, cold woman.

Also, a big shout out to Chuck’s Automotive in Qualicum Beach. Patrick made space for the job the following day, got parts and repaired the car and returned it to me within the day.

It was a nerve-racking experience and I’m very grateful for the services and kindness provided by Richard and Patrick.

To all the drivers who choose to ignore a smoking car and rushed passed me, I hope, in the future, you’re able to slow down enough to care about others. What if it had been your mother stranded? Qualicum Beach is expected to be better than that. I’m certainly disappointed.

Yvonne Saunders

Qualicum Beach