To the driver of the 18-wheeler...

For as long as I can remember, those giant 18-wheeler trucks have always scared me. When I began driving, I always had smaller cars and knew that one of those big trucks could squash me like a bug. I have always sped past them as fast as I can and have always felt anxious if there are too many around me. Yesterday, for the first time, I was profusely thankful to the driver of the 18-wheeler behind me. The driver of that truck saved my life. Seriously.

It was a beautiful, warm day. I was driving on I95 south to pick-up my husband from work. The highway is cruising right along, happy as can be. I have my windows and sunroof open, music on, enjoying life. We come over the crest of a hill. Traffic is at a dead stop. They closed the left lane to do some "yard work" on the side of the highway. I slam on my brakes, keeping an eye on the car in front of me because I would like his bumper and mine to live separate lives. I glance in my rearview mirror and see the 18-wheeler trying to stop and know instantly that he does not have enough space to stop his rig without taking a few cars out in the process.

My heart thrust into my throat and as a sense of "oh my god" panic started to hit, that driver pulled into the breakdown lane to stop. He knew he didn't have room. He knew what to do to get the room he needed to stop. By the time he got his truck to stop, he was next to my rear bumper. Next to. Meaning if he was still on the road, the car behind me would have been part of my rear bumper and he would have been very close behind. It took a moment to catch my breath. And then another moment to know that the driver's quick thinking meant I was still alive and well. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized what could have just happened. And then I just kept repeating "Thank you" over and over again in my head.

I never saw that trucker's face. I know his truck said Bradway trucking from New Jersey and got his tag number off the back of his truck as he passed me later (914054). All I know is that the person behind the wheel made a decision that saved me. And for that, I am incredibly grateful.