Readers weigh in on helping a driver stranded on the road

QI would be reluctant to get out of the car to help a stranded woman driver, especially with COVID-19. But I would certainly stop and ask if she was OK and confirm she had already summoned help. I might park and remain in the car until a tow truck arrived.

— Mike Smith A The recent column about a woman driver stranded on a rural road in San Benito County after hitting a deer and damaging her car, and how three male drivers failed to help her, drew dozens of comments. Off we go. Q As a woman, if I broke down, I would be wary of almost anyone who stopped. These days, who knows what is hiding behind friendly eyes. But I would appreciate someone stopping and just hanging out in their car until the pros arrive.

— Mary Anne

A More of us should take that approach.

Q Another reason people do not stop to help stranded motorists are phones. In the past, I would always stop if I saw a car pulled over. They might be miles from a phone. Now I just assume they have a phone (usually they are on it) and do not need help. Maybe I should think differently in the future.

— Niall MacDonagh

A Yes, you should. Q Last year, you printed a letter from me about my being stranded on Los Gatos Boulevard with a flat tire about 9:30 p.m. I had been waiting for AAA for over a half-hour when a car pulled up.

A man and his son offered to help. Retrieving the jack, removing the tire and replacing it with my mini-tire was no easy job. They filled the tire with air and were driving off when AAA appeared.

Maybe women are not reporting incidents in which men are the rescuers. Maybe men think women would be afraid to get help from a stranger who stops in a remote area.

— Kate Brophy, Los Gatos

A Just roll down the car window and ask if help is needed is not asking too much. Q Two years ago, I was bicycling on Stevens Canyon Road when I hit a newly installed and unmarked gate.

I was knocked to the ground directly next to the road.

Over the next 20 minutes, multiple cars drove by and not a single one stopped.

After roughly half an hour, I was able to gradually get up, dress my wounds and get my bent bicycle straightened enough to slowly ride home.

I was stunned that we live in a society where injured folks don’t merit even so much as an inquiry.

— Jim Thurber, Mountain View

A Me, too.

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