I’ve been mulling over whether I should say anything about what happened to me six mornings ago, or if it crosses the line into the dreaded “too much information”, but as a number of you are my “real life” friends, and others well into established cyber-friend territory, I think I’ll go ahead.
Friends, I had a brush with death the other day. It was that close. I thought it was over – I had enough time to formulate that thought, and was most surprised to find myself alive.
Without getting into too much detail, here’s the scoop. Icy road, shady corner, lost control of my car, spun into oncoming traffic, hit another car, the impact spun us both out of the way of an oncoming transport truck, with a whisker of room to spare.
Both cars were totalled, but both cars did what they were designed to do – passenger compartments remained intact though slightly compressed, seatbelts worked, airbags went off. We – the other driver and myself – walked away. Bruised and throughly shaken up, but alive and essentially well.
I haven’t actually seen the police report yet, but the gist of what I was told by a most soothing officer was that they were taking road conditions into account, that we were very, very lucky, and that I should go home and take it easy for a few days.
My insurance adjuster assures me that the other driver’s expenses will be taken care of – she was from out-of-country, visiting friends here. We shared an ambulance ride to town and she was beyond decent about being crashed into by a random stranger. One of those things, she said, very calmly.
I am very glad I didn’t kill her. (Understatement, in spades.)
It’s a rather surreal feeling, to realize that one has been given what amounts to a second chance. It was that close.
So here I am, feeling like I’m suddenly on the other side of something big. Which I guess I am, aren’t I?
Back to normal.
Life, precious life, goes on.
Leaves & Pages 
Oh wow. I’m so glad you both are ok! So scary! It is a real concern where I live as well, very curvy, icy, remote area. ❤
Although I am a just a reader and fan of your blog – no one you know IRL, I am glad you shared this. Life has been full of reminders of our frailty this winter – we can never be complacent. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, Barb! What a terrifying thing to experience. I am so happy you and the other driver are okay.
I’m so glad this story had the ending it did. Life is truly precious and the roads so treacherous (in all weathers…). Take care.
Thank God you’re all right – both of you. I refuse to even try to come to work in snow – I crashed driving in in the beginning of a storm right before Christmas (no injuries, a fair amount of body damage covered by insurance), and I’m completely done. Take care.
Very, very scary. I am s thankful everyone is alright. I’m glad you posted about it.
So happy that you both survived! Driving at this time of year is always risky.
No, it was not too much information…
So thankful you are alive. I vow to never drive in snow. (Easy resolution to keep: I live in Southern California!) (I might even make that include rain…) Be safe and well.
Wow! Scary! No. Terrifying!
Thank God you are safe.
What an appalling experience. Thank goodness you and the other driver are safe, and thank you for writing this post.
Echoing all above sentiments. So glad you are both okay.
Wow! So glad you both made it through ok. Makes you really focus on life and living I should imagine…
I’m pleased to learn that you’ve emerged relatively unscathed. Let the voice of the soothing officer echo: take it easy for a few days. Maybe read a book you’ve always put off. Thank God for seatbelts. True lifesavers.
I am also so very glad to hear that you came through safely, as did the other driver. I was recently in an accident myself, and I’m feeling so fortunate to have come through.
What an horrendous experience. I think many of us have had near misses when driving, and totally sympathise with you. It is a relief nobody was hurt.
Oh poor you! So glad there wasn’t a bad ending: cars totalled doesn’t matter, people’s safety does. Look after yourself.
Oh, honey, this sounds really really scary! I’m so glad that you and the other driver are okay, and I’m not at all surprised to hear that you’re shaken. Be extra good to yourself over the next little while, lots of hot tea and comfort reads. ❤
So glad you & the other driver are ok. Take the time you need to recover mentally as well as physically.
We’ve never met but I’m happy for you and the other driver that you are both ok.
A collective and heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone for their thoughtful and hugely appreciated comments.
The bruises are fading, I have been driving again, admittedly slightly reluctantly and with a keenly heightened awareness of the horrible possibilities of a moment of inattention, an unforeseen situation involving any one of the millions of possible highway scenarios. It truly *is* the most dangerous thing (statistically speaking) that we do – driving – and living where we live (very rural) the price we pay for participating in the greater world (working “out”, buying groceries!, socializing) is a whole lot of transit time.
It was so very, very lucky – both for myself and for the other person involved – that we escaped so relatively unscathed, though I must admit that everyone who has said, “Oh! that will take some time to get over emotionally!” is probably right. Hard reset, second chance, reality check – yup. All of those.
Onward.
I am so glad you’re all right! Very scary. The ice is so treacherous. Do take care and read some soothing books! (And I love your blog.)