Video shows bystanders ignoring hit-and-run victim

[RedEarth]

Source: (AP)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A 78-year-old man is tossed like a rag doll by a hit-and-run driver and lies motionless on a busy city street as car after car goes by. Pedestrians gawk but do nothing. One driver stops briefly but then pulls back into traffic. A man on a scooter slowly circles the victim before zipping away.

The chilling scene - captured on video by a streetlight surveillance camera - has touched off a round of soul-searching in Hartford, with the capital city's biggest newspaper blaring "SO INHUMANE" on the front page and the police chief lamenting: "We no longer have a moral compass."

"We have no regard for each other," said Chief Daryl Roberts, who released the video this week in hopes of making an arrest in the daylight accident last Friday that left Angel Arce Torres in critical condition.

.........


Several cars pass Torres as a few people stare from the sidewalk. Some approach Torres, but most stay put until a police cruiser responding to an unrelated call arrives on the scene after about a minute and a half. The police chief told The Hartford Courant that he was unsure whether anyone called 911.




Read more: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20080605/D91443UO2.html

[loves_dulcinea]

1. hey chief

think that means you should vote republican? god knows that they're the only true Xians.

i hope the old man gets well soon.

[Xenotime]

84. People standing around were probably filming it to put it on YouTube.

[Book Lover]

2. I think part of the reason why is because people generally do not have a "script" on what to do

in these situations. You think, "Call 911" but then, what exactly do you say? People are told not to touch an accident victim because you may injure them further - then what are they supposed to do? I took CPR training, so I feel somewhat prepared, but I know I'm in the minority.

I'd love to hear advice for these situations from first response/nurse/doctor/cop/fireman DUers.

[Arctic Dave]

3. First of all, call 911.

Second make contact with the patient. When anybody is in that type of situation, besides medical attention, they want reassurance and comfort. It really is that simple. Hold their hand, talk to them. Empathy goes a lot further then you may think.

Arctic Dave
Kuparuk Fire Dept.
K Shift
Engine 2 "The Big Deuce"
"First in, Last out"

[muryan]

5. Very true

Make the call, and try to keep the victim awake. You can monitor his pulse and breathing without moving him, which could cause further damage. Secondly, in a case like this I would have alerted the police as to which direction the cars went after hitting the man, so they could keep an eye out as well.

[truedelphi]

6. That is very good advice.Thanks for posting.

[Book Lover]

9. OK, and then say what to the operator?

Or will the operator guide them through the conversation with a series of questions? And once they've done that, can they just go on their way, or are they obligated to stick around?

I know you likely think these are dumb and basic questions, but I really think people need this level of hand-holding in order to give them reassurance that they *do* know what to do if they're in this situation.

[Arctic Dave]

19. What you say to the 911 operator depends on the situation.

People tend to think there is a set SOP for emergencies, when it is more like a perameters. This were experience comes in, just like any job. As for what you, the bystander, would do depends on YOUR level of comfort. The best way to think about is when you are in an accident, you are most likely feeling very vunerable, like most people the need for reassurance is very strong. People tend to panic and make things worse when they are scared and frightened, the most(and I can not stress this enough) is to help them remain calm while emergency services people come. As for what conversation or questions you say is not of importance as much as just talking.
We were on a call out and I repeated " You're doing fine, were going to get you out" for almost eight hours. Nothing poetic, just talking.

[FiveGoodMen]

29. I'm at the scene of an accident. The victim is lying in the road. I don't know whether to move him

[HDPaulG]

45. The police later stated

There were four 911 calls. But the lack of direct help to Torres is despicable nonetheless.

[slackmaster]

79. Any "help" given by an untrained person might have made his injuries worse

Or even killed him.

[LiberalFighter]

89. Didn't the video show a man directing traffic away. Or keeping an eye out to stop traffic?

[LiberalFighter]

88. I saw the video on the news last nite and it looked like one person...

made his way to the spot to keep any other vehicles from running him over.

[2rth2pwr]

8. People don't need a script to say "there is a man who just got hit by a car in the street, help"

[superconnected]

34. Bingo! These people amaze me.

[slackmaster]

23. Once you have done it a few times it comes naturally

"A motorcyclist was just hit by a car at the intersection of..."

"I see smoke coming from a commercial building..."

"A bicyclist crashed and hit his head..."

"There is an unconscious man in my driveway..."

Those are a few lines I've used on 911 operators. They all worked pretty well!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

27. studies have been done that show until one person moves to intervien...

a whole crowd will just stand and do nothing.

I'm trying to find the report I read on this... no luck yet :(

[klebean]

33. it's called "Diffusion of Responsibility"

Everyone thinks someone else is going to do something (which was the case in the Genovese case),
then no one does anything until ONE person acts, then others will follow. The power of one. Seen it
work plenty in my life here in Los Angeles.

[progdonkey]

35. here's Wiki on the Bystander Effect...

"A common explanation of this phenomenon is that, with others present, observers all assume that someone else is going to intervene and so they each individually refrain from doing so and feel less responsible. This is an example of how diffusion of responsibility leads to social loafing. People may also assume that other bystanders may be more qualified to help, such as being a doctor or police officer, and their intervention would thus be unneeded. People may also fear losing face in front of the other bystanders, being superseded by a superior helper, or offering unwanted assistance. Another explanation is that bystanders monitor the reactions of other people in an emergency situation to see if others think that it is necessary to intervene. Since others are doing exactly the same, everyone concludes from the inaction of others that other people do not think that help is needed. This is an example of pluralistic ignorance and social proof. An alternative to explanations of rational motivation is that emotional cues to action can be as powerful as irrational ones, and the presence of a group of inactive others is a pre-rational emotional cue to inaction that must be overcome."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bystander_effect

[Viva_La_Revolution]

38. That's what I was looking for! Thanks. :) nt

[superconnected]

32. I can't believe even people here wouldn't know to call 911 - single someone

out to call until you get someone to do it, if you don't have a phone on you, and try to help the victim. FUCK being late getting some where.

I'm stunned that even people here would defend not offering basic assistance.

WTF!

[Book Lover]

44. My goodness. You've figured me wrong, friend

I am saying that people do not always know what to do when faced with an actual emergency, and that teaching people, in general, how to act, is the way to equip them. That's all. Must I go on record as saying that I am surprised and displeased that there was nobody at all on that street who knew what to do?

[JI7]

58. so they don't know how to call 911 ?

i can understand the part about not providing direct hands on aid to the injured. but to not call 911 there is no excuse.

[raystorm7]

37. HERE IS THE VIDEO! warning if you can't handle your anger =/

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=7f2_1212623963

[emmadoggy]

43. MY GOD!

Unfreaking real. What are they? Pod people?? That is a disgusting display of inhumanity.

F*ck.:evilfrown:

[high density]

80. wow, the cops got there really fast

Even if nobody went out in the road to help the guy, somebody must've called them up pronto.

[stlsaxman]

85. Police arrived 1 minute and 8 seconds after he was hit.

Someone must have called.

[LiberalFighter]

90. Exactly... not everyone was just standing around.

[Canuckistanian]

49. Just make the goddamned call!

What does that mean, "what exactly do you say?"

You describe what's happening, and tell them it's an emergency!

Nobody is saying that you have to give fist aid yourself, just notify the authorities!

Is this a difficult concept?

[Runcible Spoon]

55. without yet reading the rest of the responses on this thread, I would call 9/11,

and look for/compress any severly bleeding wounds. Then try to immobilize the head and check breathing to make sure the victim's airway isn't obstructed by blood/tongue. Hold the victim's hand and tell him he isn't alone and help is coming. Then, I guess hope an ambulence shows up.

[JI7]

57. no excuse, there wasn't an element of danger or conflict in this for them

all they had to do was call the fucking cops.

[MasonJar]

4. I am sorry. but one knows exactly what to do. Go out and be sure the man

is not going to be hit again and call 911 immediately.

[frog92969]

10. That was my first thought

At least go out and block traffic.

I could be wrong but maybe cover him with something assuming he's in shock.

Poor guy.

[LisaL]

95. Police got four 911 calls.

Police should look for the driver who hit this man, rather than blaiming bystanders, IMO.

[Jefferson23]

7. Disgraceful is what this is and no excuse for it.

[rfranklin]

11. This is exactly why Bush and Cheney are still roaming free...

because everyone is thinking "that's someone else's job."

[Hell Hath No Fury]

12. In contrast...

...a few yars ago I was at a cafe with my sister when a woman drove by on a scooter and then fell with the scooter on her half a block away. I immediately jumped up and ran out to go help (having been pinned under a scooter, I know how it feels!). Before I could reach her, half a dozen other people had gotten to her and were picking up the scooter off her and making sure she was OK.

People DO know what to do.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

53. Yes, they do.

In my former neighborhood a blind pedestrian was struck by a Jeep as he was crossing the street. Everyone around sprung into action: some comforted the poor guy who was hit (held his hand and placed a blanket over him to keep him warm), some comforted the driver since he was so shaken, some called 911, others blocked/directed traffic, and everyone waited for emergency personnel to show up. Hell, we even gave statements. It's not that difficult.

I can't say enough good things about that little community in Alexandria, VA.

[texasleo]

13. Had it happened in the south, the extreme left would be going on

about "xtian values" and other garbage. God, I hate the far-left fringe.

:grr:

[kas125]

42. So, your hate is better than their hate?

[Runcible Spoon]

56. Wait, you managed to make an anti-progressive slur on THIS story?!?!?!?!?!?

Wow. Just wow. You really ought to be ashamed of yourself. :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

[magellan]

61. Read your post again

...and ask yourself what it has to do with the OP.

And why.

[a la izquierda]

72. Are you serious?!?

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Dang.
I'm on the far-left. I think it's disgusting that no one helped. Appalling.

[AngryOldDem]

82. Anything for a pointless rant. n/t

[Fridays Child]

14. When they showed it on MSNBC this AM, the news reader didn't mention that...

...nobody was helping. All she said was that seeing a person get hit was disturbing and she gave a description of the car. It was shocking to watch people stare at him from the sidewalk. Cars drove around him as if he were a garden variety road hazard. Someone on a scooter even circled back to get a closer look, then left. It was a curious sideshow and nothing more. :(

[harmonicon]

15. well, there isn't a song called "911 is a Joke" for nothing

A friend and I once saw a guy get clipped by a truck and land in the street. It was at a busy intersection, and getting out of the car, which was slowly moving when this happened, would have been dangerous, but we called 911 immediately, and when we got a block or so away and could pull over, we both kept calling 911 on our cell phones. The calls were either not answered, or the line was busy every time. Granted, that was in LA and not Hartford, but I'm no more confidant that Hartford has an emergency infrastructure than LA.

[NashVegas]

16. No Leadership

Everyone's waiting for the guy on the white charger, not realizing the #1 difference between them and him is that he's not going to let the fear of fucking up stop him from moving forward.

[madaboutharry]

17. There was an incident almost exactly

like this in Tel Aviv a year or so ago. A man on a motorcycle was struck in an intersection. Cars and people just kept on going. Then a car came along and a man got out to help him until an ambulance came. It shocked the nation.

[acmavm]

18. Nuts. People don't give a shit. We are soulless. And it became acceptable

after a particularly disturbing and hard to believe crime occurred:

<snip>

Along a serene, tree-lined street in the Kew Gardens section of Queens, New York City, Catherine Genovese began the last walk of her life in the early morning hours of March 13, 1964. She had just left work, and it was 3:15 a.m. when she parked her red Fiat in the Long Island Railroad parking lot 20 feet from her apartment door at 82-70 Austin Street. As she locked her car door, she took notice of a figure in the darkness walking quickly toward her. She became immediately concerned as soon as the stranger began to follow her. “As she got out of the car she saw me and ran,” the man told the court later, “I ran after her and I had a knife in my hand.” She must have thought that since the entrance to her building was so close, she would reach safety within seconds. But the man was faster than she thought. At the corner of Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard, there was a police call box, which linked directly to the 112th Precinct. She may have changed direction to call for assistance, but it was too late. The man caught up with Catherine, who was all of 5’1” and weighed just 105 pounds, near a street light at the end of the parking lot.


Long Island Railroad parking lot on Austin Street.
(Photo taken by author)

"I could run much faster than she could, and I jumped on her back and stabbed her several times,” the man later told cops.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/predators/kitty_genovese/3.html
__________________________________________________________________
Before that it was expected that someone do SOMETHING to help someone who was in trouble. But After Kitty Genovese was killed, and even though it shocked people at the time that no one cared enough to do anything for her, people began to figure that they didn't owe anything to anyone. And even if someone was being murdered or otherwise in danger of losing their life, they were under no obligation to do a damn thing.

[slackmaster]

24. The Genovese case did not make it acceptable

It brought the problem to light. The lesson needs to be taught early and often.

[orleans]

62. i told my daughter about kitty genovese and the by-stander effect.

i told her when she was maybe 12 or 14.

i said if there is a problem, or something is wrong--don't look at everyone else and figure well, no one seems upset or no one else is calling for help, or figure that someone else will do it for you. it's up to you.

and we've talked about it, off and on, and i think she takes the initiative--mostly in cases of stranded motorists and calling 911 for them.

[Lorien]

63. I can never figure out why it happens in some cases and not in others

years ago I heard screams of terror coming from the apartment below me. I IMMEDIATELY called 911, then ran downstairs to see if I could help whoever it was that was screaming (it was a woman and I was alone, so I was a bit scared). As I was coming down the stairs I saw her bolt from her apartment and disappear down the hall. She was naked and bleeding. A man followed her, then changed course and came toward me. He gave me a hateful stare as he passed and jumped in a car and drove off. Several other neighbors opened their doors and came out. At the end of the hall another neighbor's door was open and he was looking around. He saw us all and said "She's safe! She's in here!" So we all came into his living room. He had wrapped her in a towel and she was pale and shaking. "Did anyone else call the cops"? Asked another neighbor. Three of us raised our hands.

The cops arrived and we all supported the girl and urged her to tell the police what happened. Her ex boyfriend had raped and assaulted her, and with all of the witnesses standing there the cops never doubted her story for a nanosecond (plus there were all the bloody bite marks). They wanted him locked up pronto, and because I had witnessed him stealing her car they were able to do that, thank goodness. They arrested him at his parent's home within the hour. All of us pledged that we would look out for her from that day forward.


On another occasion I witnessed a motorcyclist get hit by a pickup truck. Three people stopped and jumped out of their cars to help instantly. I sped to the nearest business to call 911 (it was before cell phones were ubiquitous).There was no hesitation by anyone at the scene.

So, if some events cause people to jump into action simultaneously, why do others lead to complete inaction? Is it really group think or is it something else?

[orleans]

66. i vaguely remember learning (in social psych) that the more

anonymous you are the less tendency people have to help.

what i mean is that if someone can identify you and say s/he was right there but didn't do anything--then chances are you'd be more prone to helping.

the cars/passers-by in the article had a level of anonymity

the people in your apartment? maybe not so much but still did great helping that woman.

the accident--that was great so many people were helping.

[TrogL]

26. Harlan Ellison wrote about that in several of his books

[Highway61]

75. Kitty Genovese

I can recall when that happened...same behavior different time. Makes you wonder what is WRONG with these people. Prompted Phil Oches to write this song...anyone remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4bSqSdto5g

Outside Of A Small Circle Of Friends
By Phil Ochs

Look outside the window, there's a woman being grabbed
They've dragged her to the bushes and now she's being stabbed
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
But Monopoly is so much fun, I'd hate to blow the game
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Riding down the highway, yes, my back is getting stiff
Thirteen cars are piled up, they're hanging on a cliff.
Maybe we should pull them back with our towing chain
But we gotta move and we might get sued and it looks like it's gonna rain
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Sweating in the ghetto with the colored and the poor
The rats have joined the babies who are sleeping on the floor
Now wouldn't it be a riot if they really blew their tops?
But they got too much already and besides we got the cops
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends.

Oh there's a dirty paper using sex to make a sale
The Supreme Court was so upset, they sent him off to jail.
Maybe we should help the fiend and take away his fine.
But we're busy reading Playboy and the Sunday New York Times
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

Smoking marihuana is more fun than drinking beer,
But a friend of ours was captured and they gave him thirty years
Maybe we should raise our voices, ask somebody why
But demonstrations are a drag, besides we're much too high
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

Oh look outside the window, there's a woman being grabbed
They've dragged her to the bushes and now she's being stabbed
Maybe we should call the cops and try to stop the pain
But Monopoly is so much fun, I'd hate to blow the game
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

< Additional verse, 1974>

Down in Santiago where they took away our mines
We cut off all their money so they robbed the storehouse blind
Now maybe we should ask some questions, maybe shed a tear
But I bet you a copper penny, it cannot happen here
And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody
Outside of a small circle of friends

[ladjf]

20. I watched the tape. It appeared that the traffic of the lane that the

pedestrian was in was moving very fast until an SUV in that lane blocked on-coming traffic. It wasn't long after that when some people started trying to stop all traffic.

[Changenow]

31. The police were there in one minute

the only way it looks bad is if the tape is played in slow motion.

[DaveJ]

52. Yeah, it's not as bad as described

The only soulless ones we see are the hit and run drivers. The bystanders acted appropriately, gathered around and stopped traffic. We don't know if anyone called 911 or not, but it's moot since as you said police were there in a minute anyway.

But the craze has begun, no stopping it now. Just let them vent I guess.

[CatFelyne]

64. Not true....

No matter which way anyone puts it, it's still bad.

As far as the police being there in a minute, that police cruiser was on its way to another call when they came upon Mr. Torres lying in the street. Wouldn't say that the bystanders acted appropriately, after watching the video a couple times, still haven't seen them stopping traffic either. These people did appear to live up to the definition of the word - per Webster dictionary:

bystander: one present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator

Mr. Torres is still in critical condition, and paralyzed from the neck down

[slackmaster]

78. There is nothing a bystander could or should have done

Other than keeping traffic away from him. Only trained technicians, paramedics, doctors, etc. should touch someone with a spinal injury.

[slackmaster]

77. It also turns out that four people called 911 within about a minute, and

Medics were attending to the man within four minutes.

[bluesmail]

21. Rampant Lawlessness. In my country that I love.

[PleaseSayItAintSo]

28. Exactly.

What kind of society have we become?

I think this is one of the most chilling vids I've ever seen.

I fear for my country.

[Robb]

22. I was surprised when I stopped once

I was riding my motorcycle into town (50 mph two-lane road), another motorcycle was coming the other way, out of town. Out of nowhere a deer flashes into the road, and the oncoming bike hits it, square. That BMW fairing exploded into a million pieces, and the guy went down hard.

I pulled over, ran up to him. I got out my cell and was calling 911 as I walked up to him, told him despite his instincts not to move. I told the dispatcher about where I was, and people in cars stopped traffic in both directions. A few minutes later there were EMTs and such around, and I passed him off.

Interestingly, after the ambulance had left and I'd finished relating my account to the officer that came out, I had to spend a few minutes looking for my helmet and gloves. I had taken them off, but had no idea when or where in the 50-foot run from my bike to the guy. Found them in the grass.

What surprises me every time I tell this story is how many people are just amazed I stopped, how cool I was, what a good person I must be, etc. As if there was anything else to do. I didn't grab him out of a burning building or anything, I just called in the accident and kept him company. How hard is that??

[Jefferson23]

86. I know what you mean, it really isn't hard at all, its just sad that anyone would

think doing what you did was amazing, as if helping as you did required some super human effort. Watching that video of this man hit not once, but twice, and no one even taking his hand and insuring that no further traffic would be a threat to him is beyond disgusting.

[galledgoblin]

25. the other day

I was on the bus and happened to glance out the window as we stopped outside one of the local government-supplemented-rent project towers. I was rather shocked to see someone sitting on the bus stop bench slumped over and drooling.

for several minutes after we pulled away I debated; "should I call 911?" my cell phone had a different area code, so it'd be a bit of a process to finally get someone to the corner... "should I ask to borrow someone's cell phone?"

I ultimately decided he was most likely ok- worst case scenario, if something was indeed wrong, then the nurses within the building behind him would be contacted to come help.

that was an instance where I think some debate is justifiable. no one needs to be on first-name-basis with 911 operators, and not everything you see is an emergency.

this case?

I honestly don't understand this mentality. I mean, I've done some study into herd psychology, and understand that people don't want to be the first to step up, but I made a rule for myself a long, long time ago that if no one else seems to be acting, then I NEED to make a move before things get worse.

how do people sleep at night?

[ikojo]

30. As a scooter rider I am ashamed for the guy

on the scooter who zipped away from Mr Torres.

I once saw a guy who was injured. I couldn't help him in any way shape or form but I did call 911.

[Greylyn58]

36. I read this story earlier today

and have been just stunned since. What is wrong with people? All any of them had to do was call 911 and maybe just let the poor man know he was not alone--that help was coming.

How hard would that be?

Damn this country has become just screwed!!!

[NewEnglandGirl]

47. Your Dog

is really adorable. Looks like a little sweetheart.O8)

[Greylyn58]

92. Thank you for the nice words about my boy

He has been through a lot recently. He had to have cancer surgery. He's 12 yrs old, but is very healthy for that age. He's doing tons better since the surgery.

[Jefferson23]

87. Off topic here for a second, but that is the cutest dog..great pic.

We had a Golden, named Zip..beautiful just like yours! :toast:

[Greylyn58]

93. Thank you for the kind words.

Sheridan is my baby, even at 12 yrs old.

[galledgoblin]

39. I didn't hear about Kitty Genovese until college

educators, particularly civics educators, please, if you have not already, take a moment in your lectures to teach your students to ACT, whether as the one to call 911 or just as the one to say "I disagree".

[geckosfeet]

40. This actually quite horrifying. People without any self-motivation to

respond to a hit and run.

How can you stand and watch someone die.

None of those people had a cell phone?

Despicable.

[buckrogers1965]

41. Shared responsibility means that nobody has to do anything.

Everyone thinks that someone else will do something. Only in a lot of cases, nobody ever does.

They tested this out by having people wait in a waiting room and blew smoke in from under a door in the room as if a major fire was raging on the other side of the door. If there was only one person there, they almost always responded, but the more people waiting in the room the longer they all delayed before responding. I can't find the link off hand to the study.

This is why human beings need leaders.

[NewEnglandGirl]

46. That is Nauseating

and the poor man was left paralyzed from the neck down. Imagine his family viewing that video.

[Julius Civitatus]

48. Partial video of the accident at Huffington Post

WARNING: It's very graphic:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/05/connecticut-hit-and-run-h_n_105443.html

Worst part is that you can see people COMPLETELY IGNORING the poor man laying in the middle of the road. It's disturbing.

[Plaid Adder]

50. That is disturbing. Even if you can't "do" anything, IMHO you must respond somehow.

I drive a lot and I have seen a few accidents. One time I saw a car with a trailer just spin right around and go off the highway into a ditch. We were moving across country at the time--I had the car with the cats in it, and my partner was driving a gigantic Ryder truck--but we were able to stop in time and I still remember how nervous I felt walking down the slope to see if they were OK, not knowing whether they would be dead or bleeding or banged up or what. It turned out they were all basically shaken up but fine. I remember while we were sitting there waiting for the police that they pointed out that out of all the cars on the highway nobody else had stopped.

Another time I saw a car just swerve off the highway and jump into the median, which fortunately had a guardrail that kept it out of the opposite side. I stopped and went over to see if they were OK, called 911, and stayed with them until the police came. Even if you have no medical training and can do nothing, I think for the people who are in the accident it helps to have SOMEONE there, so they know that they are not alone and that someone will eventually come to help them.

There are situations in which stopping will only make the situation worse--if, for instance, you are in the middle of an interstate or something and stopping suddenly would probably cause another collision. In that case, the thing to do is to note the location of the accident and call 911. The worst accident I ever saw was a motorcyclist. He--I assume it was a he--must have been hit right in the middle of a really busy part of the Dan Ryan, and like most everyone else we were going so fast that basically all we had time to do was figure out how not to hit him. I called 911, but felt bad about not stopping. When I told people about it afterwards, a friend who had worked as a paramedic said that this was the right thing to do, because I was not able to stop without making it worse. She also said that even if other people have already called 911, it is still worth it for you to call, because if an accident is reported by many people at the same time it's a clue to the 911 operator that it's something really bad.

That said, what happens in this video is not necessarily simple callousness. A lot of people, when you put them in a situation that shocks and upsets them and is outside their normal frame of reference, don't have the self-confidence to make a decision and act on it. In today's climate I imagine that's even more true because there's been so much emphasis on training us all to do nothing until we're told what to do by the relevant authority. But although you as the ordinary citizen can't and shouldn't try to practice medicine on an accident victim, you can do simple things like call 911 and/or stop to wait with the people until competent help arrives, and if you can, then that's what you should do.

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[rockymountaindem]

51. Thankfully the only time I was ever in a situation remotely similar there was a police car in sight

Once while I was living in Toronto I was walking down the street on a typical -20 degree day when I saw an old man, dressed quite shabbily. I think he had just crossed a very busy intersection against the light in the middle of traffic. He looked completely dazed and I couldn't tell if he was blind or not. I asked him if he was lost and he just groaned. Even though it was Toronto, I figured it was worth a try talking to him in French, but that didn't work either. Then I said "where are you trying to go?" and as I said so he started wandering off diagonally into the intersection (Bloor and St. George if any of you know Toronto). At that point I spotted the cop car on the other side of the street and started jumping up and down and waving my arms.

As the man stumbled across the crosswalk (this time with the light, fortunately) the police pulled up and I pointed out that the man clearly wasn't in control of his faculties. They said they'd handle it and took off. When I came back walking the other way five minutes later after picking up a book I saw the police sitting with the man on the curb on the other side of the street while one of them was talking on the radio. So, at least I know he was okay. I presume he wandered off from an old-age home which was not far away.

[cprompt]

54. i blame the attorneys

and the massive amounts of frivilous lawsuits. i coach youth football, have for years, last year we had a coaches meeting where they basically came right out and said, leave the child alone. the league, a non-profit parent/volunteer ran league in which no one is paid except the refs, was sued last year when a child twisted his knee last year, the parents weren't at the field and the coach and one of the team mom's tried to assist the child. the parents won stating that what the adults did to help the child caused more damage and was not part of the good samaritan clause.

personally, i couldn't walk away from something like this even though i can't administer CPR, i just couldn't do it, but i can understand someone being so scared of losing everything they own by helping a stranger. sad it's come to that. thank your local ambulance chaser.

[Runcible Spoon]

59. "i can understand someone being so scared of losing everything they own by helping a stranger"

The kind of person who would ignore a bleeding accident victim because he is afraid of being sued out of his material assets deserves to go broke and wonder the streets as a beggar.

[Divine Discontent]

67. so in blaming the attorneys

you do not address the simple fact of taking command of a situation, calling 911 on your cell phone and waving your arms wildly near the street in hopes of keeping him from getting hit again... instead you say ambulance chasers have ruined society. No, it's people not giving a F*CK about other people, get it right, sir.

No one talks to people in need where I live, everyone just drives on their merry way and ignores the suffering of others, and my God, I would think they'd totally ignore someone in the road based on this event, in such a 'nice' area.

At least some young men walk up towards the guy, everyone adult driving by and standing on the street just go on as if nothing happened. I'm glad you would do something also, but it's not lawyers faults, people don't think 'ooh I don't wanna go up there or I'll lose everything', they do it b/c they don't care or are scared and waiting for instruction.

If there's anyone who would do based on the reason you stated, they deserve nothing they have.

[newfie11]

70. Some states do have laws to protect the helper

They are called the good samaritan laws. However if someone is in need I think a lawsuit would be the last thing on anyones mind. Those would apply to someone being moved such as: A burning car, person pulled out and in doing so causes a fractured c-spine to permanently paralyze the person. What to do, leave the person in the car to burn up?
In this case the old man was laying in the street. Covering him up with something would have been nice. Just being with him so he wasn't alone and knew someone was there would be nice. I am sure he was in shock. No lawsuit would have followed. CPR can be done with a broken neck carefully. There is no excuse for what a bunch of cowards did to this old man. First one runs over him and the others stand around and don't help. What a sick society.

[AngryAmish]

74. I don't believe you

You are making this up.

There is a way to prove me wrong. Virtually every clerk of court is online nowadays. If you give me the names of the parties and the jurisdiction I may be able to find this lawsuit. Until then, I am very tempted to call shenanigans.

[WildClarySage]

76. I agree. I'm on the board of directors of our local soccer league.

Parents have to sign the registration forms, and which describes the responsibilities of parents, coaches, referees and league personnel in the event of an emergency or injury. The parents either are present when an injury occurs or they rely on the best judgment of the association representatives present. Kids who play contact sports get hurt, it's inevitable, that's why we have an expensive insurance premium- to protect our players and our board, coaches, volunteers and referees. If there was a negligence or harm done to a player on our fields following an incident, the policy would cover the damages.

[Endangered Specie]

60. Its a jungle out there....

[zonkers]

65. This reminds me of invasion of the body snatchers. It is the sickest thing I have ever seen.

Hartford has a lot of soul searching to do. This story will dominate the news cycle. It is beyond comprehension. I know this would NEVER happen where I live. No fucking way.

[JNelson6563]

68. When I was in high school

I saw someone get hit by a car. Up they went into the air and then hit the ground. This was before cell phones. I ran over to him, put my coat on him and another person went into the store that was right there to call the cops.

So easy a high school kid can do it.

Julie

[newfie11]

69. What a bunch of inhumane humans. Sounds like what a herd would do

Even if someone had no knowledge on what to do just talking to the injured would help. At least he would know someone cared. What a crock.

[closeupready]

71. That video takes about one minute. I don't find that the response from bystanders was unusually long

n/t

[high density]

81. Well at least the cops were there fast, even if he happened to be responding to another call.

The guy is hit at :23. A woman on the sidewalk puts her hands on her head, like "Oh my GOD!" By 1:00 there are people in the road with him. By 1:23, literally a minute response time, the cops are there.

I don't know what else the bystanders were supposed to do. I wouldn't touch a guy in that situation, though they could've gone out in the road quicker than they did. Maybe they were concerned about getting hit themselves, because I know I am in big cities.

If anything the outrage should be in regards to the people in the cars. First, the racers themselves for driving in the wrong lane. Secondly, the guy that the racers were passing pulled over, stopped for a few seconds, and then left. What's up with that? If that driver had ears and a side mirror, he must've known that happened. Then there was the person in the van coming toward the camera that sees a body in the road and then reverses direction. I hope if that was me I would've stopped my car in the street to protect the guy from being hit again.

[closeupready]

83. I agree with you.

This video is not black/white evidence of how cold people in Hartford are. There is a lot of things to consider, some people DO seem to be reacting, such as the woman on the sidewalk. I do agree people should have stopped.

You know, I live on a busy street, and with some frequency, there are collisions and crashes. One night, a car hit another parked car, and you could tell by the sound of it that the car was damaged and immobile - I got up to the window and just managed to see the guy on the passenger side of the car, get out and run away as fast as possible. I found that curious, until I realized that he probably had drugs on him, and if he were questioned by the police, and they found drugs, he'd likely be going to prison for a very long time. Hartford is, as I understand it, rough. Who knows how suspicious of police and authorities people there may be. So there are lots of things to consider about this video.

[LisaL]

96. Police got 4 calls to 911 on this man being hit.

[a la izquierda]

73. Growing up in NJ in the '80s...

we learned about Kitty Genovese in middle school. Talk about disturbing!

Regarding the video: my husband and I saw it last night as we walked in the door from dinner. We were profoundly disturbed because we saw it in full speed at first. Somebody should have been there instantly making sure he wasn't hit again and on the phone for help. This isn't a situation where someone was just beaten or stabbed or murdered by some crazed lunatic (though a supreme jackass was certainly behind the wheel of the car if that person did not in fact ever stop). Nobody was going to "come after" a bystander here. It's appalling.

[noiretextatique]

91. i saw a man get crushed by a bus

the man was drunk and had been disturbing the group of people waiting for the bus. the bus came, some people got on, and the drunk man seemed to have wandered off. as the bus began to pull from the curb, there was a sickening crunching sound and someone screamed for the driver to stop. he driver stopped, and there was the drunk man, under the back tire of the bus with his skull crushed. as sickening as that sight was, i immediately ran to the pay phone at the bus stop and called 911. the man was already dead, the driver was distraught, and everyone else was standing around gawking.
besides the bus driver calling his dispacther, i was the only person who called for help.

[LisaL]

94. And what exactly would anyone expect for bystanders to do?

Four people called 911 right after the guy was hit.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jqGRh64w4ht0uD4WkpUHhrLBN5QQD914VDP00
It's not like the guy should have been dragged off the road.
I don't think somebody is supposed to move accident victim without the neck brace.

[jberryhill]

97. That's what I can't figure out

I was at an intersection that an elderly man was crossing, and something went wrong with one of his legs and he fell to the pavement. He wasn't sure whether he could stand, and I had to firmly discourage others from trying to "help him to his feet", at least until he indicated that he wanted to try.

Other than stopping traffic, calling for help, and talking to the victim, doing anything else could do more harm than good. And running out into moving traffic raises the risk of having more than one victim when help does arrive.

[jberryhill]

98. Clearly all traffic should have stopped

...in order to prevent an ambulance from getting in.

[Trillo]

99. That's Ironic.

The cops chiding people for failing to stop and help, after all they've done over the years to get us scared of other people.

While there was no injury involved, once I stopped to help a guy with a broken vehicle at the side of the freeway. He had the same, unusual car as I owned (but wasn't driving at the time). After stopping, then backing up and getting out, we spoke briefly. Another vehicle started backing up from 1/2 mile or so further up the freeway, apparently this person was with the person and the broken down vehicle. The guy waved at the driver, and yelled something like, "I'm fine, it's okay." I believe this person had a cell phone (I don't have or want one). About this time or shortly afterward, a CHP officer pulled up and got out. Anyway, I thought it was time to leave, but I wanted to give the guy my phone number (informal car-club type interest). The cop told me, "It's illegal to solicit business on the freeway." I told him, "I'm not soliciting any business, just giving my phone number." He said, "That's soliciting business."

I left.

I realize I have never, ever, again stopped to help anyone at the side of the road for any reason. I guess I didn't like getting chided by the cop, it was a 'cold prickly' (with threat of arrest) from an authority figure for "helping." I cannot help but wonder how many others have experienced similar cold words with threat of arrest from cops. As animals, we are all trainable, and every encounter trains us.

[rainbow4321]

100. "Mr.Torres is listed in critical condition at Hartford Hospital, paralyzed from the neck down"

http://www.hartford.gov/Police/PR_2008/2008_06_04_TorresHitandRunPR_Video.htm


Oooooohhh...this poor man.

And WTF was up with that minivan (?) driver who was like neck in neck with the car that hit the man. The minivan driver pulled over to the right curb, sat there, and then took off. Given that he/she was there when the impact happened RIGHT in front them, they need to talk the cops as a witness.

Oh, man..to see the victim strolling along and basically seeing him on his feet for what we know now was the last time he would be standing/walking...nauseating.