Driver in Kansas City viral video explains why she jumped out of car

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When this past weekend’s winter storm rolled through the Kansas City area, black ice snuck up on lots of drivers.

A Kansas City woman encountered that chilling situation — and decided to ditch her vehicle in the middle of the road. An onlooker caught the situation on camera, and you’ve likely seen it scrolling through social media.

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The woman jumped from her vehicle while sliding on black ice down an exit at I-29 and Vivion Road. Then, the car rolled down the embankment. Tire tracks in the snow still show where a tow truck pulled out her vehicle – leading to a heartwarming ending.

“I was really thinking like, if a collision is going to happen, I do not want to be in the car,” Amirica Smalls said.

A man sent FOX4 a video he posted on Facebook that has since been shared thousands of times. In it, you see 19-year-old Smalls abandon her vehicle, as it slides down the icy road.

“I kind of started to panic, but I didn’t want to panic,” Smalls said.

Smalls said she hit the brakes, but her car did not stop or slow down. She saw a red light at the intersection ahead with cars zooming by along Vivion.

The 19-year-old said she checked the mirrors. Then, bailed out the driver door.

“I clicked the unlock button, I’m like alright, I just jumped out. There weren’t any cars behind me or anything. So, that’s the good part, but like, I was just, I didn’t want to be in the car. If anything were to happen,” she recounted.

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Smalls said a stranger ran to make sure she was OK. In the aftermath, others offered to drop off frozen meals. She’s OK, just a little sore, with a hurt knee.

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Meantime, this video has been shared all over social media. Mr. Tow got word and jumped in to help.

“I’d already seen the video shortly after it got posted to Facebook,” Wright said, “just like about 2 million other people did.”

Tow Truck Driver Walter Wright said there were knee high snow drifts. They pulled Smalls’ car out within 10 minutes and towed it to her home 20 minutes away, for free.

“To be a part of that, was heartfelt and warming to me,” Wright said. “Because I strive to help people when they need it the most. Whether it’s a little bit of money here, or help ’em out with getting a car unstuck, or a free tow. That’s where it’s at.”

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Smalls said her bumper fell off, but there’s minimal car damage. She appreciates this community showing up – when she needed a lift.

“I’ll always be appreciative and grateful for this,” Smalls said.

“It gives you butterflies and goosebumps, you know, there’s people out there they don’t hate tow truck drivers and in time of need, then they can call us and we’re here to help them out,” Wright said.

Smalls encourages people to stay in their cars if they ever find themselves in a situation like this.

“I was kind of scared, kind of nervous, I was really upset though about the car, but really glad I was OK,” Smalls said.

Smalls says she’s looking forward to Summer, and warmer temperatures.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.

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