A few days have passed since the incident that nearly altered the course of my life. As I sit here, nursing bruises and a couple of cracked ribs, I reflect on how our lives could have unfolded differently. Our paths had never crossed before that fateful day, and I was utterly unprepared for the encounter.
In an instant, everything changed; I barely had time to react. You approached like a projectile, leaving no room for escape. I wish I could have summoned the so-called “superpowers” I often joke about with my children. If only I could have steered my vehicle away from your distraction. But alas, I was powerless in that moment.
When you sped through the stop sign, time seemed to suspend, and my life flashed before my eyes. The impact of your car against mine produced a sound that was unlike anything I had ever heard, almost as if it had its own color and scent. The world turned an alarming orange as I spun off the sidewalk and into a yard, narrowly missing a house and a telephone pole by mere inches. I could have lost my life that day; had the clock ticked differently, it could have been you.
“Why did you run the stop sign?” I cried, my voice trembling with fear and anger. “I’m sorry,” you replied, visibly shaken. “I didn’t see it.” In that moment, my rage transformed into empathy. You were injured too, tears streaming down your face, and you looked young enough to have been my own child.
“Are you okay?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling with concern. “Yes, I think so. Are you?” you responded. “I think so too,” I replied, though I was uncertain. I had just dropped my daughter off at school, and thankfully, my younger child was at home with their father that day. I was alone. Thank you, God, for that.
Turning to examine my car, which was now on the sidewalk, I felt a wave of disbelief wash over me. I opened the back door and hugged the car seat where my younger child would have been seated; it was the side that had taken the hit. I sobbed, overwhelmed with gratitude that my child was safe.
I can’t pinpoint the distraction that led you to overlook the road that morning. I can’t say for certain whether you were texting or simply in a hurry, but it was clear that something besides driving consumed your attention. You were not alone in that moment; you were surrounded by others, including families, children, spouses, and friends.
To everyone reading this, please remember: you have a responsibility to yourself and to everyone else sharing the road. Your actions—whether it’s sending a text or speeding—affect those around you. So let’s collectively commit to eliminating distracted driving. No momentary lapse is worth a life.
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In summary, the encounter with a distracted driver served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of mindfulness on the road. Let’s prioritize safety and awareness for the sake of ourselves and those we love.
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