“In an instant, life can be gone”

Written by Shawn Ruest on 23/11/11

Photo by MarcusSisler on Flickr

Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. I recently interviewed a survivor of a car accident and I’d like to talk about what she shared with me. Rebecca (name has been changed to remain anonymous) was 16 when the car she and three other teens were driving was completely destroyed. Rebecca shared some of the powerful emotions she experienced following the accident with me. She experienced survivor guilt, a realization of her own mortality (how short life can be), all while trying to adapt to the physical and social changes in her life.

Rebecca sustained multiple injuries from the accident (everything from her lungs to her legs were damaged) and her rehabilitation was a hard process. For example, she had to relearn how to walk and to do so she had to switch schools because her school did not have an elevator at the time.

But the devastating physical effects from the crash were only part of it, Rebecca also experienced social hardships. She felt as though the victims were blamed for the accident. People were very quick to judge the driver and the teens in the car she was in; they automatically assumed that the driver couldn’t drive well or that the teens were all hooligans. Some people didn’t even want to be around her because of the way she looked during her recovery.

Although there were people who judged Rebecca and her friends – many others reached out and supported her. Whether it was a card, stuffed animal, flowers or an old acquaintance offering support, she really saw the good come out in people. The best way you can support a victim of a road accident is to be a good listener, be empathetic with the challenges they face and remember that a victim feels bad that you have to see them at their worst.

She also mentioned that sometimes, we forget how fast and sudden an accident can happen. Despite what people may say about an accident or a victim or what struggles they may go through, a victim just has to take it day by day and some will learn compassion, empathy and that a person can set their mind to accomplish just about anything.

When we finished our interview, Rebecca expressed that new education on safe driving seems to help and she hopes you will take something away from her story. Rebecca stressed on the importance of trusting your instincts. Sometimes we may feel that there are too many rules and laws set up, but according to Rebecca, these rules are there for a reason, because: “In an instant, life can be gone”.

Links

Transport Canada: Promoting National Awareness of Road Safety
National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims