My Car Accident
Well, for those of you who didn't know, I had a car accident on August 18, 1998. It was, up to this point in my life anyhow, the scariest experience I've ever been through. For those of you who know me pretty well, you know the details of this day. For those of you who don't, I'll tell the story.
I was driving my 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity (on the gravel road east of my farm) to work on the morning of August 18, around 8:40 a.m. when it happened. I was in a bit of a rush that morning, and I was probably driving a bit too fast (a mistake I'll never make again). I looked down for a split second to turn up the radio...I vaguely remember a good song beginning to play. When I looked up, I saw some rocks jutting out of the road (which I'd always been told to try to dodge, since they could have sharp edges on them). Because of this advice, and because I didn't want to harm my tires, I tried to miss the rocks.
This split-second move began what seemed like minutes, but was actually only seconds, of a terrifying experience I will never forget. In order to miss the rocks, I turned my steering wheel to the right; to bring my car to the southern part of the road. When my car approached the southern part of the road, I hit loose gravel and got scarily close to the ditch. In order to compensate for getting too close to the south ditch, I turned my wheel to the left again, hoping to bring my car back onto the central part of the roadway. Instead, my car started losing control. I skidded and swerved on the road, attempting to bring my car into control all the while. My car then lost all control, and the passenger side of my car started heading for the north ditch. I tried everything in my power to bring my car into control, but hitting the ditch was inevitable. My car hit the ditch, and went careening towards a culvert and a crossing. And then the worst part of the accident would happen...my car started to roll. I was terrified and didn't know what to do, and I prayed the entire time that it would end soon. My car ended up rolling a 1/2 turn, onto its roof, stopping in a field just a few feet from a neighbor's tractor, and leaving me hanging upside down in my seatbelt.
After the car stopped moving completely, a sense of panic came over me. I didn't know how I was going to get out, but I knew I had to get out, and fast. In the state of mind I was in, I didn't think to try the doors (which could have been jammed shut anyway). Instead, I noticed that my passenger window was almost completely broken. So, I broke the rest of the glass with my hand, pushed the broken glass away, and crawled out the window.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I got out of my car. It was lying on its roof, the roof and hood dented, the frame twisted, glass broken.
After getting out of my car, I noticed that the back end of my car was smoking, so I ran to the roadway to get away from whatever could happen next. When I got there, I started walking the 1/2 mile to the closest farm yard. I prayed someone would be there. I finally got to their farm, knocked on their door, and thankfully, someone was indeed home. I proceeded to call my Dad, my sister, and my boss to tell them what had just happened. Dad came just a bit later to pick me up, and we went back to my car to inspect the damage, as well as grab some of my belongings.
After talking with the county Sherriff (which is required for any accident with damages over $1000), we went to town to tell my Mom what had just happened, as well as go to the clinic to have myself checked over.
My injuries were very minor considering the accident I had just been in. I had several bruises, and a few minor cuts, but I hadn't broken anything and I didn't need stitches. I came away from that accident a very lucky woman. My doctor said that he was very surprised at what good condition I was in, and my Mom said that God had to have truly been sitting next to me through the ordeal. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the seatbelt I was wearing truly saved my life.
My car was later towed away that day, since it was competely totalled. The damages included: a dented roof and hood, a twisted car frame, a broken windshield, a bent rear drive axle, and various other dents and points of damage. Thankfully, I had car insurance, which gave me almost the blue book figure for it in damages.
For pictures of my Celebrity after being towed away, click on the link below.
I bought a newer car just 2 days after my accident. I am now driving a red 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix LE. Ironically, I had been wishing all summer that I could get a newer car, and I had been eyeing the Grand Prix because my parents had taken it for a test drive a few weeks prior. I guess I ended up getting the car I wanted; although, I would have much rather done it in a different manner.
I learned alot from my car accident, and I'd like to share that with you briefly now. I learned, most importantly, that speeding can be very dangerous, and that seatbelts are a life saver. I also learned that most people take life for granted. When my life literally flashed before my eyes, I realized that I too, was one of those people. Since that day, I've lived life to the fullest, and made sure that everyone in my life knows how much they mean to me.
If this could be a lesson to any of you out there, I would say these things. ALWAYS wear your seatbelt! If you feel the need to speed, please do so with good judgement, and where you cannot put others lives in danger. However, speeding is never the answer. Getting there late is better than not getting there at all. Another important lesson is this: value life and never take it for granted. Life is short and can end at any time. Live life to the fullest. If there's something you've always aspired to do, or something you just haven't had the time to do...do it! There's no better time than the present. And don't live life in fear. If you want something, go for it! Believe in yourself! And the last lesson I want to get across is to never, EVER take the people in your life for granted. If you love someone, tell them. Tell them every day...because you never know when your last day, or theirs, will be. Love is the greatest thing people can share, so never be afraid to give it or show it.
Well, that's the story of August 18, 1998. I hope that reading about my accident was both entertaining as well as educational. Remember, wear your seatbelts, drive carefully, and never take life for granted!
Last updated by WebMaster 10/22/99