My husband was just held hostage for 3 hours

[The City Cafe]

I am not one to bash our emergency services. My father was a fireman, I totally appreciate their devotion.

 

But how can there be a 3 car accident on an icy bridge for 3 hours and not even a tow truck comes?

 

About 5:45 tonight my husband came up Dabbs Bridge Road from 41 towards 61. He got to the big red barn before the bridge over Pumpkinvine Creek. He was stopped. And thought it would clear eventually. He had already passed at least 2 wrecks on DB. About 8, I called 911 to make sure it had been reported. Because nothing was happening. I was told by the operator that they were aware of the accident and didn't know when they would get to it. Maybe tomorrow. Our emergency vehicles can't drive in this.

 

Are you kidding me? Why can't our emergency vehicles drive in an emergency? What if there had been some fatalities?

 

So finally, someone walked back from the bridge and said that the one police officer said that even if they moved the cars, they wouldn't be letting anyone cross the bridge until the salt truck came by.

 

So finally, my husband turned around and went around Cedarcrest to Harmony Grove to DB.

I don't know when/if the salt truck ever got there, but the whole ordeal was totally ridiculous.

 

There was probably a mile of back up. Couldn't the police officer went down the line and told everyone what was going on. Especially after 2 hours. Stupid.

 

Maybe our county services needs to have some tactical training in how to handle emergencies on ice.

And what about the BOE not letting people know if the schools are going to be closed? If our emergency personel can't drive on this, do they really think our busses can with our children on them? I THINK NOT!!!

 

Have a nice evening everyone. Stay safe, slow down, and be careful.

And thank you public service workers for all that you do for everything that you guys do to keep our county safe.

[dumbestgirlintheworld]

This will end badly.

[I'm Floored]

This will end badly.

 

Yep, and I'm biting my tongue.

[TabbyCat]

Yep, and I'm biting my tongue.

 

I was thinking of providing a link to your PCSO ROCKS! thread.

[MarkPalm]

I am too.

[I'm Floored]

I was thinking of providing a link to your PCSO ROCKS! thread.

 

(And they do!)

[Shodges0317]

Wow!!! Are you serious!?!?!?

[workingforaliving]

I get what the OP is saying. 2 hours of people sitting and waiting with no info is frustrating and so is not knowing about schools.

 

However, the OP may not realize there are a limited number of tow trucks in the county. I passed 6 wrecks on my way home from work and it was only a 20 mile stretch on the south side of the county. I can't even imagine (well, maybe I can based on the posts on here) what it was like on the overpopulated north side.

 

It's cold and dangerous out. I hope our emergency personelle stay warm and safe.

[The City Cafe]

In MOST (not all) instances I totally agree with you all. But tonight has shown exceptionally well how poorly our emergency system is. I can't believe that our 911 operators are telling people that our emergency vehicles can't drive in this.

 

I understand it's happening over all of North Georgia, but to tell a resident that they may not get help until tomorrow, really?

[dumbestgirlintheworld]

This message will self distruct...

 

since I'm working from homen tomorrow, I've drank too much to give an opinion...

 

I'll watch. Icey pcom roads ahead. Use caution.

Edited December 16, 2010 by dumbestgirlintheworld

[hart408]

I would be PO'd after two hours. Especially if I was low on gas or cold or hungry. Don't even talk to me if I am stuck in traffic and hungry.

 

They should notify people waiting if the road is shut down so people can take an alternate route. I don't think that's asking too much.

[Riograce]

I am not one to bash our emergency services. My father was a fireman, I totally appreciate their devotion.

 

But how can there be a 3 car accident on an icy bridge for 3 hours and not even a tow truck comes?

 

[major snip]

 

In a nutshell, there can be a 3-car accident waiting for three hours when there are LOTS of other accidents going on at the same time. Duh!

 

If you have a jillion wrecks and only half-a-jillion wreckers, somebody's gonna wait.

[MeWhoElse]

If you would take some of your precious time and listen to what they are dealing with on the scanner, you would might get a clue....

[EagleWings]

How do you train to drive against gravity? I mean, if the roads are icy, how do expect a vehicle to get up a hill or down it safely for that manner? The Highlands in Dallas are giving classes on Reality 101. I'd seriously consider it.

 

BTW, I think the PSO is doing a wonderful job inspite of some "difficulties".

[The City Cafe]

I get what the OP is saying. 2 hours of people sitting and waiting with no info is frustrating and so is not knowing about schools.

 

However, the OP may not realize there are a limited number of tow trucks in the county. I passed 6 wrecks on my way home from work and it was only a 20 mile stretch on the south side of the county. I can't even imagine (well, maybe I can based on the posts on here) what it was like on the overpopulated north side.

 

It's cold and dangerous out. I hope our emergency personelle stay warm and safe.

 

I do understand, but there were residents around there with their 4-wheelers. Why couldn't they have moved the cars off the bridge so that all the residents could get through - CAREFULLY AND SLOWLY. Many of those people lived with a couple miles of the bridge.

[ktan458]

I am not one to bash our emergency services. My father was a fireman, I totally appreciate their devotion.

 

But how can there be a 3 car accident on an icy bridge for 3 hours and not even a tow truck comes?

 

About 5:45 tonight my husband came up Dabbs Bridge Road from 41 towards 61. He got to the big red barn before the bridge over Pumpkinvine Creek. He was stopped. And thought it would clear eventually. He had already passed at least 2 wrecks on DB. About 8, I called 911 to make sure it had been reported. Because nothing was happening. I was told by the operator that they were aware of the accident and didn't know when they would get to it. Maybe tomorrow. Our emergency vehicles can't drive in this.

 

Are you kidding me? Why can't our emergency vehicles drive in an emergency? What if there had been some fatalities?

 

So finally, someone walked back from the bridge and said that the one police officer said that even if they moved the cars, they wouldn't be letting anyone cross the bridge until the salt truck came by.

 

So finally, my husband turned around and went around Cedarcrest to Harmony Grove to DB.

I don't know when/if the salt truck ever got there, but the whole ordeal was totally ridiculous.

 

There was probably a mile of back up. Couldn't the police officer went down the line and told everyone what was going on. Especially after 2 hours. Stupid.

 

Maybe our county services needs to have some tactical training in how to handle emergencies on ice.

And what about the BOE not letting people know if the schools are going to be closed? If our emergency personel can't drive on this, do they really think our busses can with our children on them? I THINK NOT!!!

 

Have a nice evening everyone. Stay safe, slow down, and be careful.

And thank you public service workers for all that you do for everything that you guys do to keep our county safe.

 

So much to comment on, but it's not even worth it.

 

On a side note, when you get on a public forum and show your ass, you may want to be sure you're not doing it under your 'business ID'. I'm just saying.

[SouthernScarlett]

I will say this. There are many roads that are not passable because of the ice on bridges and traffic backed up all over the county. These guys are doing all that they can and as fast as they can. People getting hurt and needing help. I give the Public Sevice workers a huge .For all that they are doing tonight. One call right after another. IT's cold wet and it has been a long hard day .The night is going to be just as hard. The scanner has been constant and there jobs are hard .With everyone wanting help. So i say :good: :good: :good: to all of them

[The City Cafe]

I would be PO'd after two hours. Especially if I was low on gas or cold or hungry. Don't even talk to me if I am stuck in traffic and hungry.

 

They should notify people waiting if the road is shut down so people can take an alternate route. I don't think that's asking too much.

Thank you. That's really all I'm saying. And most people at that time of day are on their way home from work for dinner. So they were probably hungry.

But my hubby had leftover poptart from the morning, and a flask of scotch. So he wasn't terribly irate. Just mildly irritated.

[Erin]

I haven't read all replies, so I'm sorry if I am repeating someone but, priority first in these situations. If no one was seriously hurt, then honestly, they don't matter. I agree with the tactic since it may be me bleeding to death in a ditch one day. I don't wanna die because you can't be inconvenienced.

[EagleWings]

My word people, can someone tell me how to drive on ice? I want to know. Better yet, those complaining, get in your car and go help someone since you don't think it is a big deal.

[ktan458]

I would be PO'd after two hours. Especially if I was low on gas or cold or hungry. Don't even talk to me if I am stuck in traffic and hungry.

 

They should notify people waiting if the road is shut down so people can take an alternate route. I don't think that's asking too much.

 

Depending on where you are on Dabbs Bridge or Harmony Grove/Cedarcrest, you may not have that option to turn around because there is just no room and the ice could have slid you right off the other side of the road. In a normal situation, clear roads, absolutely you're right. But, with what they dealt with tonight--not so much.

 

This is one of those fluke situations that no one is really ever prepared for (esp. since the weather people did such a piss-poor job of calling it). I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, even though there were plenty of mistakes made I'm sure.

[The City Cafe]

If you would take some of your precious time and listen to what they are dealing with on the scanner, you would might get a clue....

I understand but I didn't have a computer at the time to check the scanner. Luckliy he had his phone and could let me know he was running late. I do understand that their were multiple wrecks. But how hard is it to slide a few cars off the bridge with some of those cars that are sitting there?

 

Or at least give the people sitting there some info.

That's really all I'm saying.

[ignoreme]

It's always fun watching people with no real clue spouting off about stuff.

[dawneykids]

In MOST (not all) instances I totally agree with you all. But tonight has shown exceptionally well how poorly our emergency system is. I can't believe that our 911 operators are telling people that our emergency vehicles can't drive in this.

 

I understand it's happening over all of North Georgia, but to tell a resident that they may not get help until tomorrow, really?

I have an idea....911 is hiring, but the problem with this SUPER high stress and thankless job is that most people CAN'T DO IT! So, I think you should high tail it right on up to the sheriffs dept, and put in your application since you can obviously do a much better job than everybody else there including my dispatcher daughter who is having to deal with this nightmare and the thousands, YES thousands, of calls that are coming in.

 

And since your husband is the only person that has been held up tonite by accidents and ice and other uncontrollable circumstances, please accept my apology on the behalf of the entire Paulding County Emergency Services Department.

[Erin]

My word people, can someone tell me how to drive on ice? I want to know. Better yet, those complaining, get in your car and go help someone since you don't think it is a big deal.

Don't ...............

 

.....but if you HAVE to, go slow, tap the brakes and put it in 2 gear. ( I know you were being sarcastic, just thought I would let everyone else know)

[MeWhoElse]

So much to comment on, but it's not even worth it.

 

On a side note, when you get on a public forum and show your ass, you may want to be sure you're not doing it under your 'business ID'. I'm just saying.

 

Careful lovekanj you might get majorly slammed for giving such good advice. However, I do agree with you!!!!

[dumbestgirlintheworld]

Thank you. That's really all I'm saying. And most people at that time of day are on their way home from work for dinner. So they were probably hungry.

But my hubby had leftover poptart from the morning, and a flask of scotch. So he wasn't terribly irate. Just mildly irritated.

 

OK, now you're just trying to rile the board. Troll?? Yep.

[Cochran7871]

I sat in that mess as well for over an hour before I turned around-never made it much past Silver Crest Lakes subd. I work 10 minutes from my driveway, left @ 6:15 and arrived home at 7:45 after the wait and detouring through Bentwater and down Harmony Grove. It was a mess out there tonight. Luckily after the hour wait, a guy in front of me on Dabbs Bridge was kind enough to let me know as he turned around his wife was listening to the scanner and heard emergency workers couldn't get to the bridge either.

[dawneykids]

So much to comment on, but it's not even worth it.

 

On a side note, when you get on a public forum and show your ass, you may want to be sure you're not doing it under your 'business ID'. I'm just saying.

YUP!

[The City Cafe]

I haven't read all replies, so I'm sorry if I am repeating someone but, priority first in these situations. If no one was seriously hurt, then honestly, they don't matter. I agree with the tactic since it may be me bleeding to death in a ditch one day. I don't wanna die because you can't be inconvenienced.

I agree, but no one was hurt (as far as we know). No ambulance ever came.

Again, since it wasn't life threatening, why couldn't they move the cars, let the police and fire truck move on to the next serious accident (wherever that might be)

[NumberCruncher]

ummm. everyone on the road today made a choice to be on the road.

 

i'm sick and damn tired of hearing about what someone else couldn't or wouldn't do for you.

 

what did you do for yourself? wait in a safe place until you could get home accident free?

apparently not!

 

if you chose to drive and contribute to the traffic and the accidents, i don't have much sympathy for you having to sit in the traffic.

 

what? no one but you should have been on the roads? no one but you should have a police/tow truck/ambulance escort from point a to point b?

 

get a freaking grip!!!!!

[ktan458]

Careful lovekanj you might get majorly slammed for giving such good advice. However, I do agree with you!!!!

 

So worth it.

[I'm Floored]

Thank you. That's really all I'm saying. And most people at that time of day are on their way home from work for dinner. So they were probably hungry.

But my hubby had leftover poptart from the morning, and a flask of scotch. So he wasn't terribly irate. Just mildly irritated.

 

You certainly said a lot, to only say that.

 

While I can understand your frustration, these type of situations require us to step outside of our own circumstances and consider the bigger picture. MANY people tonight had multiple hour commutes due to the weather. (One of my FB friends is still waiting on her husband to be home. It usually takes him 45 minutes to get home. He's going on 5 1/2 hours right now.)

 

Just a bit of friendly advice....you might want to consider changing your topic title. I consider that to be quite a slanderous statement, especially considering - by your own admission - that your husband was only "mildly irritated."

[Erin]

I agree, but no one was hurt (as far as we know). No ambulance ever came.

Again, since it wasn't life threatening, why couldn't they move the cars, let the police and fire truck move on to the next serious accident (wherever that might be)

Have you ever moved a car on ice? The point is, tonight they were stretched too far. The last thing they need is pointless complaints.

[ignoreme]

Did you really just say, on a public message board, that your husband was drinking and then driving?

[MeWhoElse]

So worth it.

 

Amen that!

[Riograce]

I understand but I didn't have a computer at the time to check the scanner. Luckliy he had his phone and could let me know he was running late. I do understand that their were multiple wrecks. But how hard is it to slide a few cars off the bridge with some of those cars that are sitting there?

 

 

You want people to use their *personal* vehicles to push other vehicles out of a roadway that happens to be a BRIDGE? In icy conditions?

 

I don't think that's the kind of thing your firefighter dad would recommend.

[The City Cafe]

My word people, can someone tell me how to drive on ice? I want to know. Better yet, those complaining, get in your car and go help someone since you don't think it is a big deal.

I didn't say that this ice is no big deal.

 

Quite the opposite. But if our emergency services can't get out in this kind of emergency, what is this county to do if someone is in a serious life or death episode?

 

And BTW, the way to drive on ice- S.L.O.W.L.Y!!!

[dumbestgirlintheworld]

Only on pcom can people transform from maids to logistics consultants when youi add water.

Edited December 16, 2010 by dumbestgirlintheworld

[shannonsolomon]

Thank you. That's really all I'm saying. And most people at that time of day are on their way home from work for dinner. So they were probably hungry.

But my hubby had leftover poptart from the morning, and a flask of scotch. So he wasn't terribly irate. Just mildly irritated.

 

So, your husband was drinking and driving in this blizzard?!

 

Hahaha! Oh I'm just joshing with ya! And we're breathing.......