Then, the rumours start. A guy in a van rolls down his window and shouts, “It’s a multi-car pile-up! They’re saying two hours!” Another guy on a motorbike zooms past on the hard shoulder, and you feel a mix of envy and moral superiority. The police eventually arrive, a helicopter buzzes overhead, and you realise this is a proper, serious situation. The joke about the inflatable guitars fades, and you feel a little guilty for your earlier thoughts. Someone had a really bad day, and you just had an inconvenient one.
M1 closed northbound after a serious collision | West Bridgford Wire
You creep forward, one car length at a time, like a snail with a sense of urgency. You pass the scene, eventually, if they let you squeeze by. You see the crumpled metal, the flashing lights, the solemn faces. It’s a sobering moment. The funny comparisons stop, and you just feel grateful that you’re still moving, even if it’s at a glacial pace. You promise yourself you’ll be a better driver, you’ll check your tyres, you’ll stop tailgating. You make these promises every time, and you break them by the next exit ramp.
The Aftermath and the Lesson
Finally, after what feels like a full season of a reality TV show, you break free. The traffic opens up, the birds sing, and the world is new again. You floor it (safely, of course) and the M1 offers you that sweet, sweet speed. You’re late for work, your coffee is cold, and your ancient Rome podcast is three episodes behind. But you smile. You smile because you survived the great M1 closure of today.
You walk into the office and your colleague starts complaining about a slow elevator. You just nod, with the wisdom of a traffic warrior. “Buddy,” you say, “let me tell you about the northbound M1.” You share your story, the part about the juggler, the face mask, the exact shade of grey cement. Everyone laughs, because they’ve all been there. It’s a shared experience, a rite of passage for anyone who dares to drive. So, next time the M1 northbound closes after a serious car crash, remember to bring snacks. And maybe some oranges.
