An Unforgettable Accidental Lesson - Essay Example

 An Unforgettable Accidental Lesson Miserable things can inevitably happen to anyone but what one makes out of it is what defines a man. Although no one really wants having bad things happen to him, there are times that a person acts stupidly and suffers the consequences of his actions afterward. This happened to me a number of times but there is one memorable incident that occurred in my life which I suppose I will never forget. There were various important lessons that I learned the hard way and this is perhaps the reason why the experience is quite memorable. This paper will venture into that incident, an accident that immediately affected me negatively but has improved me as a person in the long run. The sun was shining brightly during the first week of May, 2012. Lazily, I got up from my bed, not intending to go anywhere after the grueling two days of various activities with my friends. Unhurriedly, I prepared my breakfast and ate quietly in front of the TV. Having no commitments during the day, I stayed in my room the rest of the day reading some interesting books. Late in the afternoon, my eyes felt tired and my body ached for the outside world. I thought of calling my friends but I supposed they might be busy with other appointments or they might be tired from our recent meetings. Therefore, I hopped into my car and started heading to Verrazano Bridge to get some fresh air. While I was nearing the end of the said bridge, a friend called, informing that another of our close friends invited us for a gathering which is to happen in an hour. Excitedly, I started back home. My thoughts were on my friends and the enjoyment we were going to have together. Thoughtlessly, I accelerated my car while I planned in my head what I was going to do. Suddenly, I lost control of the car. I panicked and tried to stop the car but it was already too late. I bumped on the side of the car in front of me as I tried to maneuver my car. The impact on the other car was probably what caused my car to turn over and skid a few meters, upside down. I do not remember much of the accident. I lost consciousness for some time and I really cannot see what was happening outside the car when I tried to get out of the car. I tried to move but I cannot quite stand the pain all over my body. I felt like I have been hit by a huge stone. It was only later that I found out my car turned over and the doctor thought that in my panic, I might have tried to get out of the car. However, through the series of events, I was not able to release myself from my seatbelt and my attempts caused me to slam my body on the hard parts of the car. In addition, there was a contusion on the left side of my head which is believed to have been caused by an impact on some hard object. The blow probably made me unconscious for a while. Thankfully, there was no serious injury either on me or the occupants of the car that I hit. What was more devastating than the physical pains I incurred was the financial impact of the accident. I spent a lot for my hospitalization and the repair of the car. Thankfully, the owner of the car that I hit was a very considerate man. He simply gave me a piece of advice after seeing how awful I looked and how sorry I was for hitting his car. He said that it was good no one among his family members got hurt although the youngest passenger was quite shaken. I sincerely gave my apologies and offered to pay for the repair of his car but he graciously refused and said they better get going because they are already delayed in their appointment. He even gave me a pat me on the shoulder, making me feel a little relieved. I was embarrassed that I involved some innocent people in my foolishness although that was the least of my concern during that time. I still have to know the extent of the damage on my physical being and I was also concerned about the car. Looking back, I reprimand myself for the delays I caused those unfortunate victims and the worries I caused my friends and family when they learned what happened to me. Although everything eventually went well, the imprint of the accident has become indelible in my mind. Consequently, I gained a “safety first” attitude. Whenever I am behind the stirring wheel, I always bear in mind to focus on my driving whether I am driving alone or with a group. Lately, I went out with my friends and we used my car. They were enjoying themselves telling stories, making jokes and throwing things at each other. They even tried to involve me but with the memories of my accident still fresh in my mind, I had to remind myself to stay focused on the road. Moreover, whenever they ask me to speed up so we can enjoy the ride even more, I simply explain to them that keeping a normal speed is still the most enjoyable way to ride a car even if we are in an open space where there are lesser cars. My friends know what I have been through and they understand my newfound philosophies but I reckon they often tell me to drive fast if only to annoy me. Even though I did not often use the phone while driving, I have put off using mobile phones altogether whenever I am behind the wheels. I am aware about the arguments on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving and personally, I think using phones can distract my attention so I better not use it while I am on the road. This change in my attitude shows that I have grown to be a more mature and responsible driver. I now think about other people’s welfare as well and not simply consider my circumstances. This is how I appreciate my lesson from my accident and it is also how I celebrate life. I realized that indeed, life is like a mist that can be gone any minute. Truly, it is said that when a person is young and strong, everything is taken quickly as if there is no tomorrow. Thankfully for me, I have seen many tomorrows after that fateful day of my accident. Therefore, I have learned to be more careful about my actions and I now think about the possible consequences of my decisions before I do something. I now respect my life and the life of other people as well. With one accident, I could have lost my life but fortunately, I was still given the chance to live and learn my lessons well. Due to over-speeding, I suffered great physical pains from a car accident. Moreover, I also suffered financial loss for my car. Thankfully, the owner of the car that I hit was considerate and simply gave me a word of advice, telling me to be more careful in my driving. I caused them delay in their trip which made me embarrassed. In addition, my family and friends suffered unnecessary worries when they heard I met an accident. With the many people who were affected by the incident, I vowed that I should learn my lessons well and become a more mature and responsible driver. As a result, I now have the “safety first” attitude whenever I am on the road. Read More