Witnessing a car accident is something no one wants to see. So recently, after a wreck in Daytona Beach, Fla., drivers in other cars sat for a moment, startled by the sudden crash right in front of them. And video of the aftermath shows what happens when the shock wears off and good Samaritans rush into action.
The Daytona Beach Police Department released footage that showed a white SUV passing through an intersection and hitting the side of a gray SUV, sending it flipping onto its side. Within seconds, the first person to stop, rushes out of his car and runs up, Quickly after a group consisting of six bystanders gathers around the SUV. In the group was U.S. Army veteran Amy Ridgely,
A group of drivers prepare to rock and push an SUV that got flipped on its side after an accident. Photo by Daytona Beach Police
“It was a bit surreal,” Ridgely said of the accident. “It happened so fast.” Instinct from her years of service, she said, had Ridgely rushing to help the crash victim. “I saw an opportunity to help somebody in need, and I had to go,” she said. Together, the group gathered around the side of the flipped SUV and worked together to push and lift the vehicle into an upright position.
They were able to walk away from the vehicles, amazingly, so I’m glad everybody was safe,” she said.
There’s too much hate going on right now,” the veteran said, “so the more we can help each other and be there to support each other, I think that’s the best way to do it.” In a social media post, the police posted about the rescue. “This is the spirit of Daytona Beach,” the department said.
The good Samaritans check on the two people that were inside the SUV which had been flipped onto its side. Photo by Daytona Beach Police
Two people were in each of the vehicles involved in the wreck, but police said that no one had any serious injuries. Ridgely said she hopes this story gives others inspiration to help others. “As a veteran, I took an oath to protect and defend, and two of the Army values that we live by are personal courage and selfless service. Ridgely said.
The Daytona Beach Police Department agreed that the willingness to stop and help made this situation turn out for the better. “Thank you to all the helpful passersby who stopped to lend a hand,” they said. The 31-year-old driver of the SUV that had flipped was cited for failure to stop for a red light, police said. For a look at the wreck and the heroic actions of the other drivers, watch below.