Driver thankful for police protection

On July 18, we were headed north on Interstate 380 with our fifth wheel camper. Just before the first turn at the 5-in-1 dam, we had a blowout on the left side of the camper. We pulled over just around the curve and had to stop or we could have had a fire.

The traffic was so bad, we witnessed many close calls and people honking at each other. We called 911 and asked for police protection. Even when the police came and sat there, there were still many close calls. We would like to ask drivers to please slow down and pay attention as to what is going on ahead of them.

We would like to thank the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the officer for coming to give us protection while we got the tire changed.

We also would like to thank the young man from AAA who risked his life to change the tire (sorry, we didn't get his name).

Officers, sheriffs, state troopers and the Department of Transportation risk their lives every day for our safety.

John Sr. and Mary Kelchen

Robins