THE PRAWN BLOG

MY TWO CENTS ON SURVIVING A CAR ACCIDENT

There is a Chinese saying that likens the road to the mouth of a tiger - both are equally unpredictable and deadly if things go south. It is instilled upon us since young to be acutely aware when using the road, and as a pedestrian and to look both ways before crossing. As we inevitably become eligible drivers, the same rules are taught to us to ensure the safety of all road users. One thing which my parents taught me was to never put my life in the hands of others, particularly when in someone else's vehicle. Be it a taxi ride, or my friend sending me home, I need to keep at least one eye open, and not be distracted by conversations or personal devices. This is to ensure I am aware of the road situation, and to react most appropriately should anything occur.

The title of this piece is not intended to grab eyeballs for views, but rather to recount my experience and perhaps reach a closure for myself. I do not wish this on anyone, as it is a very traumatic event. I shall not narrate the moments that led up to the moment of impact as I feel that would only lead to more unwanted conversations and speculation, which is not needed for all parties involved. Nonetheless, to give some context, there were 4 people in the car, myself included. 2 were my friends, and the other, who was driving, was our mentor. The car belonged to him. The car crashed into a van on a dual-carriageway. The front left headlight and bumper of the car were badly damaged and the airbags were deployed.

To say I was scared shitless would be an accurate way to put it. I anticipated the impact and sat furthest away from the crash site, and as such I walked away with just bruises on my head and shins. My friend (in the backseat with me) had used his hands to brace for impact, and as such his wrists were sprained. My friend (riding shotgun) had the airbag blown up in his face, causing cuts on his forehead, between his eyes and on his cheeks. I did not see the physical injuries inflicted on the driver, and as such I shall not comment for him. But I know for a fact that all our spectacles flew from our faces and landed in different parts of the wrecked vehicle.

Looking back with perspective, I had the least impact, but because I had no experience dealing with such situations, at that moment in time I counted my lucky stars and was very grateful to be alive. As I opened my eyes, I first noticed smoke filling the vehicle. The first thought that flashed into my mind was the occurrence of a fire. I knew that a vehicle fire not under control would cause an explosion. I froze for a while due to shock and slowly regained the functions of my limbs (but still was stuck in that awkward brace position). I tried to open the car door on my right but it did not bulge. My first thought was that it was jammed because the hydraulic malfunctioned during the crash. I closed my eyes and drew a breath, but the mixture of nitrogen and hydrazoic acid filled my lungs instead.

Coughing and sputtering I tried my best to sit back upright and surveyed the situation in the wrecked car. Everything was blanketed white (due to the smoke and airbags) and I could not see much. I also could not sense any movement in the seat next to me or the front of the car. Dread overwhelmed me as the thought of death seeped into my brain. I frantically tried the door again, and this time it worked. I opened it and clambered out of the wrecked car. The sunlight blinded me and for a moment I forgot I was in the middle lane of a 3-lane road. The breath of fresh air was comforting though. Half blind, I distanced myself from the wrecked car, in case of any further complications. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and was utterly surprised to see it intact. I dialled for the police, but before I pressed call, I shouted towards the wrecked car to check for a response.

I was stunned to hear the voice of my friend from the backseat. Relief overcame me and I proceeded with the call. During that time, both my friends had managed to escape and were assessing their injuries. They also checked on the driver’s condition. Long story short, the police advised both parties to link up with their insurance companies to settle the accident, since there were no deaths or damage to public property. Our mentor was in deep shock and disbelief. He was very concerned for our well-being as well. We visited the clinic for a checkup while he stayed behind to settle his car insurance policy.

Till today, whenever I think of the episode, I would blame myself for not being more proactive. Had I alerted our mentor of the van, we would have been able to avoid the crash. I just can’t seem to shake this feeling of guilt, even though I am a victim of this accident as well. I am also ashamed that I did not check on the status of my friends and mentor sooner, and got myself to safety first. I wished I had prioritised their wellbeing more, rather than focusing on myself.

Maybe I am experiencing some sort of survivor’s guilt, because of the amount of physical injuries I sustained. Currently, I am in a much better position post-accident, aside from possible brain implications due to the blunt-force trauma to my head. But I can’t seem to think of this accident any other way. I feel that I could have been better prepared, because if the worst did happen, I would not have been able to adequately save any of their lives, and what I am feeling now would be multiplied tenfold.

I am not saying every Singaporean driver is an irresponsible driver, but every Singaporean driver can certainly practice more patience and alertness on the road. Let this be a lesson, not just to the victims of this accident, but to the readers as well. Do not take your safety for granted.