The Lessons I Have Learned

On a rainy day on January 23, 2021, I was badly injured in a car accident. The accident almost ended my life. However, I believe this accident could’ve been prevented. I hydroplaned off the highway and was facing oncoming traffic but in the breakdown lane. In Southern California, when it is raining, most drivers are unaware of hydroplaning or how their cars operate in diverse weather conditions. Shortly after I swerved off the road, a car hydroplaned and hit me head-on going about 80mph, spinning my car 180 degrees. The person who hit me head-on then drove off after checking to make sure their car was drivable. As I sat in disbelief, I was slowly losing consciousness to grasp what was going on. It felt like I was witnessing the last moments of my life. I sat there in the driver’s seat with my legs numb and my head pounding. I was then hit again from behind by another car that hydroplaned. That unfortunately was not the end of the events. I was luckily shielded from more cars by a tow truck after it saw what was going on. This tow truck ultimately is the reason I’m able to share my experience today. I was hit twice more, and the tow truck was hit five times. I say this was preventable because even I was going at normal speed when I knew better. Knowing that driving in the rain requires caution and a slower speed I was confident that since I grew up in New England, I would be able to handle it. This was a mistake, a prideful act, and it almost killed me. I was driving at the normal speed which ultimately lead to my car hydroplaning off. The first car that hit me was going above the average speed limit, which was extremely dangerous and careless on their behalf. The preventable aspect on my part was to drive with more caution and at a slower rate. The rate of speed should be 1/3 of the normal limit when it is raining. I believe if many were asked, they would not be able to answer this question about a crucial component when driving in rain. This is why continued education or constant reminders of speed and weather safety is important. Seeing so many cars swerving off the road, I am unsure why others were speeding that day. No one was following this defensive driving suggestion of slowing your speed during altered weather conditions. This could have been prevented with more driving awareness. Due to the advanced technology we have today, I believe Virtual Reality drives could be useful for people. A VR drive should be done at the beginning of a person’s driving career and every five years after that. A VR Drive will allow drivers the experience different types of roads, storms, and situations that they may encounter. Drivers who practice a virtual situation will be better prepared to not panic in the event of a real-life situation or to know what steps need to be taken if one arises. In addition to helping new drivers, virtual driving can also help remind current drivers how seriously driving should be taken. My awareness of motor vehicles around me has increased considerably since I have started driving again. My awareness extends to how people may feel while driving and whether they too may experience anxiety. If we are more aware of those around us and more educated with driving, this will remarkably influence the number of accidents and deaths. For people to get out and gain more education with driving, it must be entertaining or influential. Therefore, it’s important for me to share my story with my friends since I have an influence on them and my community. When I and others share our stories, we can help others be more aware. We see the driving videos and think “this can’t be real.” But, when it’s someone in our peer circle or family who has been directly impacted, you’re more apt to change and do better. My accident allows me to share my story and encourage my peers to drive safer and better. It helps people understand where I and others went wrong in this situation. One should never become too comfortable behind the wheel. Especially never to the point where they start being prideful or ignorant. I know people who are no longer here to advocate for better driving so, I hope my voice and influence can help make the changes we need to see.