The Aftermath…

Those of you who follow me, may have seen a post about my accident in my car on Tuesday last week. A brief summary if you have not. I was out with my husband doing some errands and out for a coffee, when driving down the main street, I spied an empty Disability Parking space. I swung into it, as I have done many times before. For some inexplicable reason, instead of putting my foot on the brake, I put it on the accelerator and we lurched through the parking space and crashed straight into the wall of the Specsavers building. We still have no clue how or why this happened and probably never will completely. I remember sitting stunned in the driver’s seat and still holding the steering wheel, when someone said, ‘you can let go now’ someone turned off the engine – it was probably my husband – and further drama with ambulance, fire service and police followed.

Although it was a big deal for us and scary, we are grateful that we did not hurt anyone else as this is a busy bit of pathway. We didn’t get hurt either, apart from me having a lovely selection of bruises. Husband escaped without any injuries at all, for which I am grateful.

Yesterday, which was Saturday and just five days after the crash we went into Rangiora. We had decided to take photos of the damage to the building just in case they come back and say that there is a huge cost to what looks like very minor damage. We parked in a parking area which we often use when in Rangiora. We then walked towards where the accident had happened. I made an observation to my husband, that I could feel myself getting anxious and became increasingly anxious as we got close to the scene of the accident. My stomach felt in knots and I managed to take some photos for the insurance company in case they are needed. We did what we had to do and then went for a walk and a coffee.

As I sat having coffee with my husband, I realised I was feeling quite tearful. Not enough to actually cry, but just a bit teary. I think seeing the scene of the accident shook me up a little. More than I expected. I think when you have an accident, whether in a vehicle or not, the “What if’s” are worse than what actually occurred. As I said before, this happened near a very busy main street and the road I was on was always busy with pedestrians too. We were so lucky there was no-one walking on the path at the time. Also, the Specsavers building where we hit, was where people were waiting to be seen. They would have felt and heard the crash very loudly. A few inches to the left and the car would have been through the glass and end up in Specsavers.

I am so grateful that we did not cause harm to anyone or to ourselves. We discussed the crash with my doctor and he did not feel that there was currently concern for me to continue driving. He said that usually, it is when the partner, family member or friend starts noticing driving behaviours that are not safe, that someone needs to speak up and tell me. This will not be easy, but as my Doctor pointed out to me, it is a very similar scenario as I had when I asked a close work colleague to let me know if/when I became unable to safely and effectively do my job. She had been very nervous and concerned for how I might receive the news that it was time for me to retire. I always say that it was the best thing she could have done for me. I knew she would deliver the message with kindness and compassion which she did and she did it so well. I often thank her for her courage in telling me and that she did me a huge favour. If our conversation hadn’t happened when it did, I wouldn’t now be living in this lovely house and socialising with all my lovely Kaiapoi friends.

I know that my husband will tell me if my driving starts slipping.

I just hope I am able to listen…