Times Are Changing

[RoyJackson]

I'll stop occasionally...more likely if it's a woman. I expect most men should be more self reliant (probably a sexist mindset, but I don't care).
Of course, that doesn't mean a woman can't be an evil doer too...
Pulling someone out of a snow bank can screw you though...any damage to their vehicle, there's a good chance they'll sue you for damages...so, mostly if I stop, it's to give them company (protection) until help arrives (I've also got a handgun with me most of the time)

 

[Oldoak]

Although it's not a guarantee against being sued for possible damages, when I pull someone out of a snow bank, I have them hook up the tow chain or cable to their own vehicle. And that's only if they just slid off the road, not over a steep embankment or other precarious situation.

By the way, Roy, I agree with your statement: "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch..."

The same could be said of "free" healthcare!

 

[GAFarmer2]

Odd, I've been stranded a couple of times wearing nothing but a bikini, and the few drivers that did stop drove off in a hurry without helping. Go figure.

Well I WAS hungry....think I'll just skip supper now!

 

[Oaktree]

IMO it really doesn't matter where you're at per how people treat you. Yes, people from the north can be direct and to the point, but that doesn't make them any less friendly. I know some pretty rural places in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont where the people are just as friendly as the people around me are now south of the mason dixon.

In my travels I haven't noticed people being any friendlier or more hospitable in one area than another. Sure, cultures vary in different parts of the country, but I've found that if you're friendly others will usually respond accordingly.

Actually, despite all the "southern hospitality" hype, I've experienced plenty of rudeness in the south especially when someone finds out I'm a northerner...being ignored or having my order or change sort of thrown at me in a diner for example.
C'mon people, the Civil War ended 150 years ago. No one alive today had anything to do with it.

 

[Creamer]

Lots of friendly folks still live in the country. The trouble is they are being inundated with the unfriendly types. A person can never tell what a stranger's intensions are, whether it be someone needing help or someone stopping to "help". Unfortunately, drug use and violent crimes are sky rocketing in our nation today, all over the country, not just in the cities. But I will say, South Dakota, where were spend a great deal of time every year, still has a majority of friendly farm folks living there.

I learned early on in life to be self reliant as much as possible. I always appreciated help but never depended on or expected help to change a flat tire on my truck or trailers.

Being from South Dakota I have to say Thank You for noticing. I think they are more willing to help out there. I have had numerous experiences and know others who have had many great experiences of being helped.

 

[weldingisfun]

Bell county is changing fast now....

Amen to that. And, not for the better.

 

[weldingisfun]

After reading the responses to my post it has become obvious to me that the times have changed. The mindset of the folks who passed me by is reflected in many of the responses to this post. I did get the tire changed, by myself. I did have a cell phone with me but I knew I could get the job done so didn't call for help. I just figured that a 72 year old man, sitting on the side of the road, with the emergency flashers on, a flat tire under a trailer loaded with hay, on a 35 mph country road, would get a offer of assistance, which, if I had, would have been graciously declined. This is testimony to the society we now live in. Sad to see.

 

[Sigarms]

After reading the responses to my post it has become obvious to me that the times have changed. The mindset of the folks who passed me by is reflected in many of the responses to this post. I did get the tire changed, by myself. I did have a cell phone with me but I knew I could get the job done so didn't call for help. I just figured that a 72 year old man, sitting on the side of the road, with the emergency flashers on, a flat tire under a trailer loaded with hay, on a 35 mph country road, would get a offer of assistance, which, if I had, would have been graciously declined. This is testimony to the society we now live in. Sad to see.

Not that it matters, but if you were on "my rural" road, on my way home for work, with your flashers on, I'd most likely stop no matter what your circumstance (I even move the slow turtles when it's safe lol). I missed the "35 mph" in the original post, but the impression I got by the "50 cars passing" was you were on more of a highway (it would take a while to see 50 cars go by on my road depending on the time of day). Kicker is, you would of declined my help anyways.

I would also agree with your opinion on our society differently if you were a 72 year old man ACTIVELY LOOKING for help on the side of the road, which apparently you weren't.

Overall, I sincerely believe we're progressed as a society. People are still people no matter what decade you're living in.

My father's 86 and he still drives 8 hrs to visit me regularly (he won't fly if he can still drive). However, 30 years ago he wouldn't of had a cell phone, added he wouldn't have the "life alert" that I picked him up a couple of years ago because he's living by himself. Technology may change people's habits, but it can be for the better, not worse.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

....So you're sad that you didn't get the opportunity to decline help from a total stranger?

If you'd have flagged me down, I would have stopped. If I see a guy changing his tire as I go by and it looks like he's managing, and he's not flailing around and waving his arms? Yeah, I'm going to leave him to it. Unless there's some other mitigating circumstances, hazardous weather, etc.

Nothing to feel "sad" about. And I've changed loads of tires by myself, on the side of the road, day or night, and 20-30 years ago as well. No one usually stopped 30 years ago either. Probably because I was a young guy (at the time), who had the tools to do it, and probably looked like I knew what I was doing. Things haven't changed as much as you think. Back then, as now, ask for help and you usually get it. Don't ask for help, and you likely won't.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Here is SC it gets to 100* QUICK.. I have a portable floor jack in my truck & help all the time.. lots quicker than digging the scissor jack out & trying to hook it up.. it takes 10-15 minutes out of my life.. but hey, that's just me..