Close Call at the Gas Station: Man’s Lucky Escape from Speeding Vehicle
In a heart-stopping moment captured on video, Brady Johnson of Nebraska narrowly escaped serious injury when an out-of-control car struck him while he was washing his windshield at a gas station in Brady. The incident, which occurred last Friday evening, showed the remarkable resilience of the human spirit and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly ordinary moments can turn dangerous. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle was traveling “at least 65 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone” when it veered into the gas station and struck Johnson in the lower leg before colliding with his truck and a streetlight pole.
What makes this story particularly touching is Johnson’s immediate reaction following the terrifying incident. Despite having just been hit by a speeding vehicle, surveillance footage shows Johnson limping toward the crashed car—a red Nissan—to check on the driver’s wellbeing. This instinctive act of compassion demonstrates the best of humanity in crisis situations, putting another person’s potential injuries above his own. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported that Johnson “was not seriously injured and complained of pain later in the night when the adrenaline wore off,” highlighting how shock can temporarily mask injuries in traumatic situations.
While Johnson’s physical injuries were fortunately minimal, the potential for tragedy was significant. Gas stations, with their combustible fuels and constant traffic, represent particularly dangerous locations for vehicle collisions. The damaged truck and streetlight pole serve as physical reminders of how much worse the outcome could have been had the timing been slightly different or had Johnson been positioned just a few feet away. The video of the incident has since circulated online, prompting community discussions about road safety and attentiveness while driving, especially in areas where pedestrians are present.
The driver of the red Nissan, whose identity has not been released by authorities, now faces multiple citations and charges following the incident. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the driver was transported to a local hospital by firefighters and “will be cited for reckless driving.” Additionally, the driver faces charges for operating a vehicle without a valid license, lacking proof of insurance, and driving with expired registration. These compounding violations suggest a pattern of disregard for traffic regulations that ultimately culminated in this dangerous collision, raising questions about how such situations can be prevented in the future.
The incident highlights the unpredictability of daily life and how everyday tasks like filling up at a gas station can suddenly become life-threatening scenarios through no fault of our own. Johnson’s experience resonates with many who have experienced near-misses or unexpected accidents, reminding us of the fragility of safety in public spaces. Community members responding to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook post expressed relief at Johnson’s survival and quick thinking, with many noting how differently the story could have ended. Some commenters pointed out that this incident underscores the importance of situational awareness even during routine activities, while others praised Johnson’s immediate concern for the driver despite being a victim himself.
As Brady Johnson recovers from this frightening ordeal, his story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspirational account of human resilience. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s decision to share the video footage publicly may help raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and speeding, particularly in areas where pedestrians are frequently present. For Johnson, whose ordinary evening turned extraordinary in the worst way possible, the physical damage to his truck and the emotional impact of such a close call will likely linger. Yet his immediate response to help another person in distress, even moments after being struck himself, demonstrates the kind of compassion and selflessness that strengthens communities and reminds us of our shared humanity in times of crisis.
