Drive Safely: Prevent Car Accidents

My brother was involved in a very serious car accident a little over a month ago. The paramedics said the air bag was the only thing that saved his life. They had to cut him out of the car because the damage was so extensive.

I almost lost my brother because another person was in a hurry to get somewhere. He went from the turning lane into oncoming traffic, straight into my brother's car. Obviously he didn't get anywhere fast!

An accident is defined as an event happening without apparent cause but with marked effects. This definition doesn't hold true for car accidents that could be avoided. Just by slowing down and paying attention to his surroundings, the man that hit my brother could have prevented the whole thing. There was a defined cause, his lack of attention!

My brother wanted me to put his story out for others to see in the hopes that it will help prevent future car accidents. If only one person reads his story and a life is saved it will have been worth it.

Accident Account in My Brothers Own Words

While riding in my car one afternoon on highway 41 in Georgia a car came out of nowhere and ran into me. The impact was like an explosion. I felt the hit and then was out cold. I was awakened by a stranger's concerned face. He was asking me questions about myself. Disoriented, I finally started answering the gentleman. He informed me that I had been in an accident and not to move because I might have injuries.

I finally came out of my dazed state of mind to see several people walking around in frenzy; some with uniforms and some without. I see the mess all over the road. It looks like a small tornado touched down. Then I realize what shape my car is in and that I can't move. I'm trapped inside my car. A couple of guys are trying to console me and tell me not to worry. One tells me they are going to have to cut me out of the car, just relax. Then he starts to place a sheet over my body. I jokingly ask if I'm dead. Later I found out how close I really came to death.

I'm taken to the hospital where x-rays and test are run to find out what is injured. By this time I'm realizing what hurts myself and looking at all the cuts and bruises. I look like a wreck myself and feel like one. Luckily the doctors say I will be fine with a few weeks rest to let the torn ligaments in my foot heal. I wonder how many aren't so lucky or don't make it at all, then I thank the Lord I have a second chance at life after such an accident.

After a while I'm released to go home with my family. My car was totaled. It takes the insurance company several weeks to settle the case. During this time I have a chance to think about what I'm missing out on in life. I have no way of getting to work or visit friends. I have no money coming in. I'm cooped up in the house like a prisoner, my freedom lost. So to recap, because someone was in a hurry to get somewhere I'm out a job, car, time with friends, money and freedom.

So the next time you're in a hurry, and I know we all get this way, please think about what can happen, not only to your life but someone else's. In a couple of minutes my life was transformed from happiness at the thought of visiting a friend, to the troubled weeks afterward simply because someone was in a hurry. Take the time to think that you or someone else may not be as blessed as I was, you may not survive an accident. Please just think the next time you're in a hurry. What we do can change another's life as well as our own.

So many accidents could be prevented if people would just take a little more time and care. Father's and Mothers, brother's and sister's, daughter's and son's, no longer alive to share their lives with loved ones. Lives ruined all for nothing. Please be careful when out driving. Leave early to avoid having to speed, look before making turns, and just be aware of your surroundings. And count your blessings if you are a loved one has survived a bad car accident. It could have been so much worse.