It has been several days since the accident that could have drastically altered my life. I find myself sitting here, with bruises and a few cracked ribs, reflecting on how our encounter could have unfolded differently. Until that fateful day, we were complete strangers, and I never anticipated that our paths would cross in such a harrowing way.
The incident happened in an instant, where mere moments could have shifted the outcome either way. You approached me like a projectile, leaving no opportunity for me to evade your trajectory. I often tell my children about my “super powers” as a parent, and I wish I could have summoned them to avert this disaster. Unfortunately, I was powerless to move my vehicle out of your way.
In the split second that you disregarded the stop sign and sped through the intersection, my life flashed before my eyes. The impact of your vehicle colliding with mine produced a sound that was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It seemed to carry its own distinct aroma and hue. As I spun around, the world transformed into an orange blur, and I found myself leaping onto a sidewalk, narrowly avoiding a house and missing a telephone pole by mere inches.
That day could have ended my life, and had the timing been slightly different, it could have been yours as well.
“Why did you ignore the stop sign?!” I shouted, tears streaming down my face.
“I’m so sorry,” you replied, “I didn’t see it.”
In that moment, my anger shifted to compassion. You were clearly shaken as well, crying and looking far too young—perhaps even the age of my own son.
“Are you alright?” I asked with a quaver in my voice.
“Yes, I think so. What about you?” you responded, to which I replied, “I believe I’m okay, too.”
I had just dropped my daughter off at school, and my youngest was safely at home with her father that day. Thank goodness for that.
I turned to see my car resting on the sidewalk, trembling and in disbelief. As I opened the back door, I embraced the car seat where my little one would have been sitting. That was the side that took the brunt of the hit. I wept, overwhelmed with relief that she was safe and unharmed.
I can’t pinpoint what distracted you that morning. I can’t state with certainty that you were texting, but it was clear you were in a hurry and not fully focused on the road. Something other than driving occupied your mind during your journey through our neighborhood.
To everyone reading this: you have a duty to yourself and to everyone else on the road. When you send that text, you are not alone; when you speed recklessly, you are not alone; when you take that drink, you are not alone. You are surrounded by others—families, children, spouses, and friends. You are also within your own circle of love. So please, let’s put an end to distracted driving. Nothing is worth the potential consequences.
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In summary, this experience highlighted the importance of being vigilant on the road. Distracted driving can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Let’s commit to being more aware and responsible for the safety of ourselves and those around us.