[SIERA] Thank you - Car Wreck

[Theplanters95 at aol.com]

I was in a car wreck Friday morning around 7:30am.  I was going down a  side 
road (Six Mile Canyon) and hit a sheet of ice that the transportation  
department did not sand.  I fishtailed into the other lane and nearly hit a  car head 
on! But for some reason, my Ford Explorer turned sidewise going down  the 
road and it did not roll over.  Thank you Lord! I slid off the road,  and went 
down into the creek.  The Explorer is drivable but suffered damage  including a 
broken window.   I'm pretty banged up.  My right knee  is giving me problems, 
as are my elbows and back.  Also, my mobile  comet 2m antenna broke.
 
I had no cell phone service, so I grabbed my HT and put out a call on  
146.61.  Some Reno ham, who I cannot remember his call, took my priority  distress 
call and called 911.  He then called me back with a question from  911.  Thank 
you, whoever you are for your help. The fire  and sheriff department was on 
the scene within minutes.  I was no more than  1 mile from Virginia City, NV 
when I wrecked.  The area of Six Mile  Canyon had such spotty service, that I 
nearly offered the fire and sheriff  department  too relay thier calls through 
the 146.61 repeater.
 
Lesson Learned - Cell phones do not work everywhere.  Always carry a  2m 
radio of some sort (handheld with charged battery or mobile) for  Emergency 
Communications.  If not 2m, then a radio on another  band!
 
Please pass this on to other hams, clubs and newsletters.
 
73,
Randy Davenport ka4nma
EC Storey County