DRIVER ASSISTED TECHNOLOGIES REDUCE ACCIDENT

DISTRACTED DRIVING

That means driving while not paying full attention. Nine people are killed everyday due to crashes caused by distracted drivers (cdc.gov). Each year an estimated 3 166 died due to distracted driving related crashes the vast majority of which are linked to human error. Talking/texting on the phone is the main cause. Staying alert and sober, being patient and considerate on the road can save a lot of lives.

RUN OVER BY DISTRACTED DRIVER

One day I was on my way to work on foot and I came to the cross section by my house. There were no cars, so I crossed. Midway as I was crossing car appeared in the distance. To my surprise and dismay before I reached the other side the driver actually hit me. How could he have not seen me? I looked up quick enough to see that he was on his phone. He drove off his driveway while texting and had not seen me.

THE DRIVER’S REACTION

It turns out that he was just as surprised as I was when I got hit. Him because he had not seen me as he was texting, me because I assumed that he had seen me and would slow down to allow me to finish crossing the road. I was halfway across when he appeared in my residential area and I felt safe. Thank God he was driving slowly so that when he hit me, I fell, but to my surprise I felt no pain because I was not hurt, just stunned. For a second, I was confused.

THE BEST REACTION I HAVE HEARD OF

He came over to me and said “Are you okay, I am sorry it is my fault I was texting on my phone I did not see you. Do you want me to call the police?” I was just stunned, stunned that he did not see me, it was 7.30 am, stunned that he actually stopped to help, stunned that he admitted he was texting, stunned that he would call the police, stunned at how young he looked, stunned that he genuinely looked concerned and visibly shaken. Unexpected!

MY LOW EXPECTATIONS

As a pedestrian I have low expectations when it comes to drivers. I do not drive, and I have walked onto many accidents where the driver just bolted away. That is why even when the light is green, I still make sure the driver will allow me to cross and not just step on the accelerator. HIT AND RUN IS ALWAYS MY FEAR.

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WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE

I could have insisted on calling the police and not gotten up just to teach the young man a lesson, but I was unharmed due to the slow speed, and he was genuinely concerned, apologetic, confessed his guilt, and was willing to call the police and face the consequences. I still wondered how he could drive without looking.

WHAT I LEARNED

Even if you see a car coming towards you make sure that the driver can see you and is not distracted, that was my mistake. Do the same even if the light is green, make sure no driver decides they want to go too. When you are a pedestrian you are really at the mercy of distracted drivers, count your blessings. Do not be vindictive at bad drivers, just stay safe.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

I pray before I leave the house and I pray when I make it home. Too many people have left home and never made it back because of car accidents. It could be a DUI, reckless driver or a distracted driver, if you make it home safe you have a reason to thank God. You can only control so much; they are behind the wheels and you as a pedestrian have no control. BE CAREFUL.