What an interesting question, and, for me, very timely. Had you asked me yesterday morning, I probably would have said that I think I'm a good person. Something happened yesterday afternoon, however, that's left me questioning that very thing.
I was driving west on I-70 in Missouri when two semi tractor-trailers collided. I was one out of about 8-11 cars that were not too far behind. I think some call that a "wolf pack." Anyway, it happened so quickly. One instant everything was normal, the next, cars were going right and left -- I went left instinctively, and into the grass median. Debris and loud noises were everywhere - then nowhere. It took awhile to comprehend what happened. I knew it was bad but I didn't know what. Other cars were stopped, too. Some people were out and running. My niece was with me and my first concern that was that she was all right. She was fine. I was fine, just shaken. I pulled back up onto the highway, and then I could see the semis. One right in front of the other, but the one in back appeared to have rear-ended the one in front. My first thought was that I should stop and offer to help, but a man was in the left lane directing traffic and waving me to go past. There were other people out and heading toward the semis as I passed and, while I tried not to look, I could see a guy kind of hanging out of the one in back. I'm not a medical person so I don't think I'd have been of much help but I've been kicking myself for not stopping since yesterday. My niece was yelling "Get out of here."
And I did. I left. I called the State Patrol later and explained that I'd been there but that I didn't know what had happened and that I didn't stop. I thought I was going to be in trouble, but the woman I talked to didn't seem to mind. She said they had lots of statements.
I'd been telling myself that the guy was dead and that no one could help him but the woman told me he died at the hospital. So, yeah, I feel like crap, and I'm not sure I'm a good person.
To top it off, my niece snapped photos with her phone and last night, she texted one to me. Good Lord -- I didn't need to see that. But, I keep looking at it and wondering if the guy would have survived if I'd stopped to help.
Not a good feeling at all.