Dear Editor,
On Friday, August 22, while attempting to do what I should not have been doing, (but something so many of us do do, in boogying to cross over in the middle of the street), I was hit by a van. I had just stepped out from the back side of my car and had taken a step out when the van beside me backed out and struck me. My cane and the back of my car were the only things that prevented me from falling.
In the sudden scare and fear I felt as my body reeled from what had just happened, I banged my cane on the back of this chap’s van bring to his attention something had just transpired. On stopping, he got out and asked me what was the problem. Shaken, I started yelling at him of what he had done and he commenced to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“You should have done a better job at viewing your side mirrors to see all was clear,” I said and once again he apologized and asked, “are you okay?”
Still shaken and thinking I was, I said yes. “You should go home and ask God for forgiveness for not making sure that all was clear behind you,” I replied.
I continued across the street, as he continued to leave, and upon entering the “$ Store” I suddenly fainted! Many came to my aid, and while still laying on the floor a gentleman came over and helped me sit up as a group of people were asking if I was okay, and someone then called the ambulance. While trying to call my husband it appears I once again fainted whereby a woman, at my side, managed to do this for me. Several people remained to help and this one woman stayed by my side, helping to keep me comfortable, until the ambulance arrived.
Yes, I am okay and came away only with some sore ribs, buttocks and shoulder which the doctor said would plague me for a few more days.
It is at this point that I would like to say a huge Thank You to all of you who aided and assisted in caring for me in my time of need. It is at times like this that we are assured of the love, and caring, of such peoples actions through the love of God.
As to the young man who did not do the right things I would like to apologize for shouting at you as I did, but would also like to add that there are some facts you should be made more aware of (a re-evaluation of some of the things we tend to let slide, from the premises of our minds, that we dearly need to make ourselves more continuously aware of at all times and that we often let slack without conscious thought).
First, you need to be more aware of who, and what, is around you when driving your vehicle, to be sure all is secure and safe before proceeding.
Secondly, when such incidents happen you should never leave a person alone even if they say they think they are okay. You should first ask if you could contact someone to come and attend to this person, or take them into a store, or business, (nearest you) advising them of what just happened making sure they will help in attending in a proper manner, or call the ambulance yourself.
Finally you should never leave the scene of an accident and you should always leave (written) your information (name, phone number, license plate number and insurance coverage number) should you need to be contacted – also letting the police know to make sure you do not end up getting into a difficult situation in the coming days.
I am hoping this will help, once again, bring greater awareness to all of the mishaps that can often transpire when driving a vehicle. Once you get into your vehicle, and start the engine, a huge responsibility is placed on you to be sure you are in full awareness of what you need to do to secure the lives of those with you and around you.
Safe travels to all.
Maureen Erb
