Have You Ever Seen or Witnessed a Car Wreck?

When I was younger, I unfortunately found myself in several car wrecks and witnessed more incidents than I care to remember. These experiences can be traumatic, and the immediate aftermath is often filled with confusion, shock, and a desire to help, regardless of personal safety.

Immediate Reactions to a Wreck

A person's reaction after a car wreck isn't always rationale. Adrenaline kicks in, and people often forget to assess their own safety while trying to help others. For instance, I was on a busy freeway when my car was hit. In a misguided attempt to help, I got out of the car, completely unaware of the danger I was in. Surrounded by traffic, my actions were reckless, to say the least.

Witnessing Accidents

When witnessing an accident, my instinct is to pull over safely and check for any serious injuries. If emergency services are needed, I immediately call them. I stay until they arrive and exchange contact information with the drivers involved, in case a statement is required for insurance claims. However, in the absence of any serious injuries, I typically leave after providing information, focusing on getting on with my day.

A Devastating Accident: Close to Home

One of the most harrowing incidents I've witnessed occurred close to my home. I was driving back from work in Toronto, where I had picked up a new Siberian cat, when I came across a terrible collision. A small car had collided head-on with a late-model Cadillac. The impact crumpled the small car like an accordion, and what remained was a tragic heap of flesh, glass, plastic, and steel. I pulled over and ran to assist, finding no survivors from the car, but sadly, the driver in the Cadillac was also killed.

Living With the Aftermath: The Impact on a Cat

On a less tragic but still memorable note, I had an actual near-write-off a few years ago. I was on my way home from Toronto, picking up a new 4-year-old Siberian cat. The drive was each way for two hours. Around 5km from my home, a mail truck decided to do a U-turn without signaling, hitting my car. The impact was significant, and while I was injured, it was the mental impact on the cat that was the most concerning. She wasn't physically hurt, but the psychological trauma was profound, taking her years to recover from.

In Conclusion

Whether you were in a car wreck or just witnessed one, the aftermath can be incredibly impactful. It's crucial to remain calm and make the necessary calls for help. In dealing with the trauma of such incidents, it's important to remember that time and support can help both humans and animals recover. Let's all make safe driving our priority to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Car Wrecks, Car Accidents, Psychological Trauma