Stanton's 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT after the crash.

I’ll miss my first-rate 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, but the safety systems served me well. Actually, they saved my life. On April 2, 2006, I was southbound on I-69, just north of the Fishers exit, traveling in the inside, or left, lane. Out of nowhere, a truck came flying by on the right, startling me so much that I swerved, overcorrected, and the car tire went off the left edge of the road. I landed in the northbound lanes, hit the guardrail head-on, flipped (sort of pole-vaulted) and then was airborne. It was a wild ride, flipping end-to-end two times, then landing on the wheels and continuing to roll a few feet. It seemed like a long time, but I bet this all happened within 30 seconds or less.

Being caught in a burning car has always been my fear. Thankfully, I was able to reach over, open the door, and unbuckle my seat belt just in case I smelled smoke. Since the airbags deployed, OnStar came through immediately asking if everything was okay. “Well... NO!” OnStar placed the call to emergency personnel, and I know they arrived in less than five minutes.

I have a nasty bruise on my arm from hitting something in the car; the steering wheel I suppose. I received a slight concussion, but a CT scan and 25 X-rays could find no other injuries. The first-class safety integrity of my car saved my life. I was able to return home to my wife, Cindy. I was never so appreciative to see her as on that day!

Listen, I have always hated wearing seat belts. But you know what? It’s just like playing Russian roulette. You never know which trip in your car can turn deadly. It’s a chance that neither I, nor my family, will ever take.