Timothy P. Walden, 17, schoolboy, rescued Katherine M. Reichert, 17, while she was in a runaway automobile, Pasadena, California, August 24, 1966. When the accelerator on her automobile became stuck while she was driving on a descending four-lane avenue, Miss Reichert applied the brakes, sounded the horn, and steered the sedan so as to avoid collisions when crossing some intersections against the traffic signals. By the time she had reached a lesser grade and the speed decreased, she was nearly hysterical. Walden was driving toward Miss Reichert in a similar model automobile and noticed the weaving sedan. When the two vehicles were opposite, Miss Reichert screamed that she could not stop. Walden made a U-turn in traffic and pursued the runaway sedan at about 45 m.p.h. He drew abreast of Miss Reichert’s automobile and signaled for her to let him move in front of her. She failed to understand and veered her automobile across the dividing line. The nearest vehicle headed toward her was about 600 feet away. Walden increased his speed and moved in front of Miss Reichert’s sedan, which then was traveling at about 40 m.p.h. Decreasing his speed, Walden allowed the front bumper of the runaway sedan to make contact with the rear bumper of his automobile. The oncoming traffic then was about 450 feet from them. Walden steered sharply back across the dividing line. Miss Reichert’s automobile followed, remaining in contact with Walden’s sedan. As soon as both vehicles were across the dividing line, Walden began braking his automobile. Some bucking occurred, but he brought the two sedans to a stop without accident.
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