Trucker pushes wheelchair rider down highway

by **bste_lax** on Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:15 pm

Trucker pushes wheelchair rider down highway

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/biz ... 69831.html

PAW PAW, Mich. — A man was taken on a wild ride when his wheelchair became lodged in the grille of a semitrailer and was accidentally pushed down a highway for four miles at about 50 mph, authorities said.

The 21-year-old man, whose name was not released, was unharmed but was taken to a hospital as a precaution. He had been secured to his wheelchair by a seat belt.

"The man spilled his soda pop, but he wasn't upset," said Sgt. Kathy Morton of the Michigan State Police.

About 4 p.m. Wednesday, a caller told police dispatchers, "You are not going to believe this: There is a semi truck pushing a guy in a wheelchair on Red Arrow Highway," state police said in a release.

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by **Gvlax** on Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:17 am

how did this kid get infront of a semi? Cant find that part anywhere. I can't imagine what i would think of i saw someone infront of a semi.

by **laxfan25** on Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:00 am

Since that was a local story, they had an interview with the kid, Dan Carpenter, on the news last night. He was incredibly calm after all that, and said "now I know what 50 mph feels like!"
The truck had stopped at a stop sign and the driver didn't see Dan roll out in front of him. He took off and hooked the handles in his grille, which probably stabilized him, fortunately.
He said that he thought the driver might have been going a longer distance, and "I would have been dead". No big deal.
They also played some of the many 911 calls that came in, some of the people were in complete hysterics over it. One woman sounded like the Hindenburg announcer.
I love the part about - "he spilled his soda pop, but wasn't upset". If that was me, the wet spot on the seat wouldn't be from pop!

by **Brent Burns** on Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:33 am

Yesterday, I was on another message board, and one poster said, "Screw Six Flags. I would want to be on that ride."

On a serious note, I'm glad that the guy is all right after experiencing what 50 mph is like. The company that made his wheelchair may marvel at the durability.