Warning! Ignore at your own peril.

My friend and colleague traveled through a canyon near his home. Part way through the passage, traffic came to a halt and he found himself, along with many other drivers, waiting for the cars to proceed. Eventually, as the traffic began to creep slowly along the road again, he passed the cause of the delay. An 18 wheeler tanker truck had rolled while rounding a curve too fast. The folded vehicle still lay in an awkward pile on the road while emergency responders directed traffic around the accident.

Now, this is not an uncommon occurrence, you might say. We see car accidents every day; they are almost inevitable in this age of modern transportation where the average American drives almost 300 miles per week.

But, what made this accident so tragic, so unnecessary, was the myriad of warnings this driver passed just prior to his crash. And when I say a myriad, it is no exaggeration. My friend retraced the path of this truck a couple of days later as he drove the same road again. Within a mere 2.5 miles of the accident site, an alert driver would have seen the following signs:

#1: At approximately 2.5 miles before the accident, the first sign advises drivers to test their brakes, indicating a need to use them ahead.

#2: Caution sign indicating the steep grade which lies ahead over the course of the next 2 miles.

#3: Third sign cautions about the extreme curves 2.5 miles ahead which require drivers to slow to 20 mph.

#4: 2 miles before the accident, a sign alerting drivers to the runaway truck ramp available – just in case.

#5: Another warning about the dangerous curves now 1.5 miles ahead and caution to slow down.

#6: A second indication of the steep grade approaching.

#7: A third sign referencing how fast to take the impending curves which are now 1 mile ahead.

#8: A second notice that a runaway ramp is available just ahead.

#9: Another warning to use the ramp if brakes haven’t slowed a vehicle sufficiently to take the turn at a safe speed.

#10: The fourth warning about the safest speed at which to take the turns which are only a half a mile ahead.

#11: A last speed warning with the dangerous curve visible ahead. The sign says 500 feet.

#12: One final indication of the runaway truck ramp providing safety to drivers.

Did you get that? There were a total of 12 warning signs posted in an effort to protect drivers. A mere 25 feet just past the runaway truck ramp, see the red circle below, the driver, taking the turn too fast, lost control and the truck crashed.

This was not a tragedy caused by lack of information or insufficient time to prepare for the turn, or inadequate routes of “escape” from the danger. This accident was unnecessary and unquestion­ably preventable. Had the driver exercised a bit of caution and judgment during the approach of the dangerous curves, he could have easily made it to the other side of the canyon safely.

The economic parallels are easily discernible. How many warnings are really necessary before we (you) take heed? Did you notice this one? http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/16/senate-passes-11-trillion-spending-bill/

I am not going to take the time to discuss all the warning signs that point to an upcoming tragedy. We are living into a future unlike anything anyone has ever experienced. Those that are observant and paying attention to those signs, there are ways to protect yourself and your family.

Let me ask you a question; What would you rather 1) Miss out on another 10% increase in your current assets or 2) Have a 50% reduction in your current assets?

There are economic “ramps” available that will help you build your wealth safely and predictably, despite the perilous circumstances which may lie ahead. (www.hendersonandfloyd.com)

jasonchem@gmail.com