I was travelling down US Highway 99 southbound to Alma for a paintbally good time. I pass one vehicle only to have a Dodge Neon pull out in front of me. I slow down, and then noticed a distinct aroma, marijuana. I wonder whether it is the car or truck and trailer just ahead. We travel along in this caravan for a good 4 miles at 55 mph. I keep thinking that the Neon is going to pass the truck at some point, but after several opportunities, it does not. We finally come to a large stretch of flat road and I decide this is my time to pass them both. I signal and venture into the oncoming lane. As I near 90 mph and the driver side door of the Neon, the guy decides to attempt passing as well. I immediately slam on my brakes (not swerving). The man piloting the Neon chose a huge evasive maneuver and careened down an embankment, up the other side, and directly into a telephone pole, before spinning out in a field. It was quite a sight to be coming to a complete stop from 90 miles per and watching a car flying through a ditch and into a telephone pole. I immediately pulled over, and searched all over for my phone, it was on the passenger side floor. I get out and several others have stopped as well to check on the guy. I stay by my car, because I can tell the guy is alright, and I’m not sure just how mad he is about totaling the car. He gets on his knees and bows down to his car arms outstretched. I’m sure he was amazed to have come out unscathed. I was amazed as well. He was also wearing a tie-dye shirt. The police come and I began debating the legality of attempting to pass two cars at once on a two lane highway. I fill out my statement and on my way to get my license from the police officer I pass by the other driver. He shook my hand, I tell him that I’m glad he is alright. He warns me “Next time only pass one car, don’t try for two.” I refrain from telling him to check his mirrors before attempting to change lanes. The police officer reads my statement and says “you were at his driver side door when he came over?” followed by a laugh. He then says “…and he just swerved right?” “Overcorrected, I presume,” is my reply. Police officer chuckles and looks over at the totaled Neon and says “Obviously.” He thanks me for sticking around and sends me on my way.
Thanks to my new ceramic brakes, Team Prelude and myself live to fight another day.