Accident
I met an accident this morning, just several hundred meter away from my house. I was trying to turn into a housing estate nearby to make a u-turn to the main road. I stopped the car to see if there are any traffic from opposite side before making the u-turn. Next thing I heard, a loud BANG! and a motorbike just collapse beside my car door, driven by 2 school kid in their uniforms. They were trying to overtake my car turning into the same direction.
Once they regain their balance, the first kid use his hand to knock my car asking me to stop - I drove further up to stop somewhere safe first while the kid kept yelling at me to stop. Zoe still in the car with me - shocked but did not cry. I wind down the window. The kid that look barely 16 shouted at me, "Macam mana you pandu kereta?". I was still in shock at that moment and ask him whether he is hurt and also holding on to my car’s side damage mirror. The kid is fuming and I can see that his hand is bleeding a bit (scratched due to the collision) and he said the side of his bike is damage. I peep from my window and could hardly see any damage, probably very little.
In my mind, I keep thinking that I cannot get down from the car as Zoe is still in shock and I do not want to invite any unwanted attention. At that moment, a postmen on his motorbike already stop by to 8. I called for the boy to come near, "Adik, mari sini…" I told the boy that I have a baby with me and ask him to go see the doctor for his bleeding hand. I only have a RM100 note in my purse and a few RM1 note. I gave him the RM100 and told him to go and fix his bike too since he is complaining that it is damaged. From a fierce look, the boy expression changed and soften, I held his bleeding hand and ask him whether he could still drive to the clinic. He nodded and said in a softer tone, "Member ada, boleh…".
"Kak sorry ok, you betul betul tak apa?". He nodded again and gave a small smile. He walked away to the bike and both of them drove off. I stay for a while and watch them till they are gone. I drove off with Zoe and sent her to the Nanny. I try to see whether Zoe is okay by pointing out to the bird in the cage nearby the Nanny’s house and she responded with a smile. I guess she is okay already. I am more concerned with any trauma caused by the accident more than any physical damage as she is safely buckled to her car seat.
Now, I gotta fix the side mirror and a little dent on the car door. My car side mirror has an auto adjuster and its not working anymore on the driver side mirror. This is gonna cost a bit…sigh…
Who’s fault? It does not matter! As long as all is still safe, including the 2 boys that lost their balance and collapse unto the driver side of my car.
Reminder to myself - Always stay alert when driving and be very careful on the road. Accidents happen in split seconds and we can never know when it will happen or how. There is no point arguing but as long as all is safe…
oh…I so hear you! I had similar accident before! I think for us also we will be very scared coz people’s life at stake…no matter who was in the wrong!
But these boys should have known better!!!
I think Zoe wouldnt have really known what was going on! Hope you are alright now though! Shock is all gone? Must be fuming a bit now!
Comment by Ann — July 24, 2008 @ 12:28 am
Hmm…a lot of ppl drive recklessly nowadays and this is a typical case. I dare to say that the boy probably do not even have a license and he is without helmet and if I were to be mean, I dont have to pay a single sen to him and just report the case - which will drag even longer. These boys can take risk all they want, but not everytime they will escape so easily.
I am a parent myself, I will make sure my kids dun do what these boys are doing. It is just not worthy risking their life like that.
Comment by ponytales — July 24, 2008 @ 3:24 am
kesian nyer… good thing you kept your composure.
anyway, these days very dangerous liao have to practice defensive driving.
Comment by duckie — July 24, 2008 @ 6:39 am
Hey there… am just glad that you are alright. But there is something else in which I wanted to tell you. The next time this happens, drive straight to the police station and lodge a report. Believe me. It’s the best action that one could take. I understand you Zoe with you, but RM100 is way too much to compensate for a general motorcycle’s damages. The duo’s reaction upon receiving the RM100 proves that they did not expect that amount.
Besides that, it’s hardly your fault based on the description of the incident. So, why bear full responsibility?
Now, the damages caused to your side mirror… if the mirror’s housing is not damaged, then it’s likely you can simply replace just the mirror itself, using back the same housing. The auto adjuster, which is not working, is probably caused by a disconnected wire or broken mirror hold. Believe it… it is not going to cost a bomb. Call me if you need help on this.
And also, the next time such unfortunate incidents takes place, get help. People tends to bully single woman driver, and especially those with kids and the timid type…
But surely, I hope such incidents won’t be happening to you again in the future…
Comment by andromedia — July 24, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Duckie - Sigh…its just a very unfortunate morning. Need to pray for journey mercy daily…
Andromedia - It is indeed a lot, sadly thats what I got at that moment. I don’t trust the police either cause I have been in a much worst accident years ago - and the way the police handle that case at that time - ended up losing much more $$. Btw, I saw the 2 kids this morning again, speeding while making the turn and w/out helmets. Makes me wonder whats in their head and thier parent’s head!!! We just gotta be careful as there are many of them like that near the school area.
Comment by ponytales — July 24, 2008 @ 9:18 am