I wasn't even going to blog about this because it seemed so silly and trivial at the time, nobody was badly injured and there was no controversy (everyone was sober and the gentleman who ran into the back of me did not even own a cell phone and asked to borrow mine to call his wife), but this was the first traffic accident I had ever been involved in that was not my fault and that has had some unexpected ramifications.
You'd think it would be easier to deal with the psychological trauma of such an accident if it was not your fault, but I am finding that this is not the case for me because this accident was completely out of my control. There was nothing that I could have done to prevent it. Even if I had seen the car coming at me, I could not have steered into another lane without hitting another car.
When I had accidents that were my fault (the only time I ever injured anyone — knock wood — it was only me in a one-car, one-tree incident) I had to deal with the guilt that came from the knowledge that I had been careless and negligent, but at least I was in control of the situation and could take future preventative action by being more attentive and careful while driving.
The pain in my neck and shoulder is gone, but I still feel anxious every time I stop at a red light. I keep having to resist the urge to look in my rear view mirror because when I do I am afraid that every car behind mine is not going to stop. It is most unsettling to contemplate that the usually unseen presence of fate can, at any time, come out of hiding to remind me that I am not as in control of my own destiny as I often like to think I am.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
An accident of this nature can be an unsettling experience. It's great that everyone is safe and things worked out.
Stay safe!
2 - SFC SKI
You have to love that Tampa Bay traffic.
Accidents are always unsettling because they knock you out of your safe little routine and cause you to wonder if you are ever truly safe. They helplessnes you describe in examining the accident is also common.
Glad to hear you weren't injured.
3 - Margaret Romao Toigo
The article is a sort of catharsis. It helps to share the experience and it is good to know that I am not alone.
Just like the pain in my neck and shoulder faded away over a few days, the anxiety is beginning to fade away as well.
Also, it is important to note that the reason why no one was badly injured is because we were all wearing our seat belts. So remember to buckle up, folks.
4 - Steve S
Margaret, I know what you've been through. I was stopped at a light once and the car behind me didn't stop and pushed me into the car in front of me. It is a creepy feeling to look in your rear view mirror and see an accident barreling towards you and you can't do anything about it but grip the steering wheel and wait for the inevitable.
Glad to hear you are okay.
5 - gonzo marx
Maragret,
i am glad no one was hurt.
an Important Lesson that cost only money to be reminded of...
we are NEVER "in control"...we can Choose, and guide to some extent...but nto "control"
don't mind me...reading this morning has conjured up a very strange mood...
once again..i am very happy you and the others were not hurt..
>bows, hand over fist<
Excelsior!