Three obsessions are very evident in many countries and cities – checking e-mails, facebooking and texting. Would you agree? In many business organizations, e-mail is an essential means to communicate, same thing with texting. I have seen cigarette and sidewalk vendors, bus, PUJ and taxi drivers, farmers even beggars holding their cellphones and exchanging text messages while doing their jobs. Where else can you see these but only in the Philippines!
Texting has also becoming very popular in the US especially for teens. According to CTIA-The Wireless Association , more than 158 billion text messages were sent in the USA in 2006. Have we realized that accidents caused by driving under influence of alcohol are as bad as those caused by texting behind wheels? For sure, there are so many accidents related to driving distractions not to mention driving while texting. DWT can cost lives.
Accidents happen while driving no matter how careful we are. I have witnessed accidents in which the victims were not doing anything; they just got hit by another vehicle driven by reckless or distracted drivers. In my family alone, I cannot count the number of times each of my siblings, my parents and even myself met major and minor car accidents caused by another vehicle. Thank God we are alive. The last one so far was my eldest brother whose van was totally wrecked. Miraculously he survived.
We can’t really do several things at the same time. Yes, multitasking has become the norm in our modern lifestyle. And it works especially for office workers. But research shows that the brain portion that works when driving is the same brain that works when talking to somebody. So why take the risks? Your life and other people’s lives are priceless.
Will it be a good idea then to ban driving while texting? In the US, a law has been passed to make this illegal. According to a source, instant and text messaging while driving tops the list as the biggest driving distraction in the US. It was also reported that almost 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes are due to distracted drivers in the United States. That was in the year 2006. Indeed, DWT is becoming as dangerous as drinking and driving.
Let us be fed up by the daily news we hear and watch on TV related to car accidents. Say no to DWT!
Showing posts with label accident. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accident. Show all posts
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ambush Interview
Honestly, it’s exhausting to share your story over and over again. I’m sure, many of you would agree. I usually attend funerals and one thing I always make sure of is to keep quiet instead of asking the family members who are left behind unless they open up. I know how exhausting it is as they keep on telling the same story if you know what I mean. ..
I could not remember how many times I was asked about what exactly happened to me and what the details were. That morning after the incident, every time someone would come into the office (each one has different work schedule) I was being asked and it initially helped me to open up. That included the nurses and the security group when I was interviewed to get my statement. When time came for the company doctor’s turn, I was tired. I wanted to record everything and do playback every time somebody else would ask (one reason why I blogged my story so I could just point them here at my website if they want to know the whole story). When I came home, I had to tell my family every detail. It is different if you are sharing it to someone who loves you because you know they are concerned and they really care.
I thought I’m done already in telling my story to people until yesterday afternoon. I went to visit my friend in my old apartment where I used to live (about 2 years ago). To my surprise, a group of people swarmed around me and did ambush interview! Yes, they knew about it. They live just right across the police station where the incident was reported. They were talking out loud, all at the same time, asking me questions. Some were giving their comments and opinions as if they were there and witnessed the incident. One sounded as if it was my fault! I really felt bad and wanted to freak out, cry and shout “Shut up!!!” I could feel they were just interested about the news and they really did not care about me. I just knew one person there, the one who initially greeted me. She announced it to the group that I was “the victim” and so everybody came and surrounded me.
I really wanted to cry! It didn’t feel good to be the center of a very loud discussion. If you were there, you would think there was a fight going on. Now I understand why some movie actresses freak out or cry during ambush interviews and pres cons… Yes, it’s true! Especially if they are being accused or they are being interrogated about a bad rumor. Being sensitive is what most people need to practice.
I could not remember how many times I was asked about what exactly happened to me and what the details were. That morning after the incident, every time someone would come into the office (each one has different work schedule) I was being asked and it initially helped me to open up. That included the nurses and the security group when I was interviewed to get my statement. When time came for the company doctor’s turn, I was tired. I wanted to record everything and do playback every time somebody else would ask (one reason why I blogged my story so I could just point them here at my website if they want to know the whole story). When I came home, I had to tell my family every detail. It is different if you are sharing it to someone who loves you because you know they are concerned and they really care.
I thought I’m done already in telling my story to people until yesterday afternoon. I went to visit my friend in my old apartment where I used to live (about 2 years ago). To my surprise, a group of people swarmed around me and did ambush interview! Yes, they knew about it. They live just right across the police station where the incident was reported. They were talking out loud, all at the same time, asking me questions. Some were giving their comments and opinions as if they were there and witnessed the incident. One sounded as if it was my fault! I really felt bad and wanted to freak out, cry and shout “Shut up!!!” I could feel they were just interested about the news and they really did not care about me. I just knew one person there, the one who initially greeted me. She announced it to the group that I was “the victim” and so everybody came and surrounded me.
I really wanted to cry! It didn’t feel good to be the center of a very loud discussion. If you were there, you would think there was a fight going on. Now I understand why some movie actresses freak out or cry during ambush interviews and pres cons… Yes, it’s true! Especially if they are being accused or they are being interrogated about a bad rumor. Being sensitive is what most people need to practice.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A horrible nightmare… but thank God I am alive!
I walked on that same road this morning to see if I can face my fear… Yes, I was able to without rapid heartbeats. But all the memories came back no matter how hard I resisted. I must admit I began to feel weak as if I was going to faint. I’ve been struggling with fear every time I go outside alone especially when I see red cars passing by. Sad thing is there are no instances each day when I don’t get to see red cars and they are everywhere, they are all around me. This has been going on for weeks now since that incident happened.
Yes, I was mugged. Almost 3 weeks ago, around 3:40AM, I was on my way to work when a red car passed by and was going on the same direction. I was walking alone as I usually do for months now and it was not very dark as there were street lights around when the car suddenly made a U-turn just before reaching the guard house at the entrance of the “city”. It made its way on the center of the road and suddenly went to my direction. Without changing its speed, a hand came out of the car window and snatched my shoulder bag. It was so swift that I could not even let go of my bag so I was dragged off along the road which was not so smooth. With my eyes open, I could see what was going on as I was being dragged along. I was able to release my hold when my bag tore off. I could see that strong hand holding my bag up in the air with pride. I did not see the car plate if there was any as I was lying on the road.
I managed to get up quickly and ran towards the group of vendors on the other side of the road who were preparing their stuff. I asked if they got the plate number. The car ran too fast that the vendors were clueless as they did not even know what had happened. They said they just saw me lying on the road not knowing the reason (Could you imagine what they were thinking? – maybe they thought I was just sleepy or drunk!). I thought it was just a bad dream until I began to feel the pain on my arms, knees and tummy side. I did not shout, shake, cry or feel my heart beating fast. I was still normal. I saw my wounds bleeding and thoughts were rushing in my mind. One was, I needed to get to the office as quickly as I can as I no longer have my company ID and proximity, otherwise I’ll be late and my supervisor won’t be convinced that I really made it on time. Could you imagine I was still thinking about my work! Not to mention, I’ve been maintaining my perfect attendance record since January of 2008 – no absences, leaves or tardiness! Second thought was, I needed to run away and take the hidden short cuts to get to the office else the robbers might think of coming back and kill me. They can afford to have a very nice car, they can afford carrying guns for their self-defense considering the kind of “job” that they have! Another thought was – I needed to get to the clinic in the office for first aid. I could feel the wounds bleeding and stinging. Yes, I managed to run and put my jacket on to hide my wounds still thanking God because I am alive and whole. Before, I just get to watch similar incidents on TV. I could not believe it happened to me! But thank God I am alive! I was not kidnapped, raped, shot, stabbed or killed (take note for those who heard a different story), which actually happens in this city and reported on the news. It could have been worse so I should still be thankful. While running, I’ve also thought of Angelina Jolie in her latest movie that I watched – Wanted. I wondered why movie actors and actresses don’t get bruises and wounds from doing stunts like what I got! :-)
Anyway, so I was given first aid and the news spread quickly in the office and in my neighborhood. It did not feel good that I became instantly popular (also thought of putting my name on the Walk of Fame here in Eastwood City). I did not cry but could still smile, laugh and crack jokes but I knew it will surely sink in once I’m alone. So I thought I should be with my family immediately. True enough, it did occur to me when I was in the hospital when the nurses were trying to peel away the dirty gauze from my skin to cleanse the wounds. And it occurred again the next day when I was home and I began to feel the pain that was getting worse every minute. I could hardly move. I knew exactly now how it feels to be disabled, invalid and inutile and I did not like it. I could not get up from bed by myself or even lift a glass of water. Every part of my body was painful. Insects were following my wounds despite constant cleansing. I could not help but cry because of the physical and emotional pain. I felt I was violated and disrespected. I was disabled yet I knew it was only temporary. It was painful but I never questioned God why it happened to me because it can happen to anyone no matter how careful we are. Thank God it did not happen to any family member or friends.
Now I’m slowly recovering from both physical and emotional scars. After that horrible experience, I still thank God for everything especially my life with Him, my family and friends. I still believe that because of Him, life is beautiful and that will never change.
Yes, I was mugged. Almost 3 weeks ago, around 3:40AM, I was on my way to work when a red car passed by and was going on the same direction. I was walking alone as I usually do for months now and it was not very dark as there were street lights around when the car suddenly made a U-turn just before reaching the guard house at the entrance of the “city”. It made its way on the center of the road and suddenly went to my direction. Without changing its speed, a hand came out of the car window and snatched my shoulder bag. It was so swift that I could not even let go of my bag so I was dragged off along the road which was not so smooth. With my eyes open, I could see what was going on as I was being dragged along. I was able to release my hold when my bag tore off. I could see that strong hand holding my bag up in the air with pride. I did not see the car plate if there was any as I was lying on the road.
I managed to get up quickly and ran towards the group of vendors on the other side of the road who were preparing their stuff. I asked if they got the plate number. The car ran too fast that the vendors were clueless as they did not even know what had happened. They said they just saw me lying on the road not knowing the reason (Could you imagine what they were thinking? – maybe they thought I was just sleepy or drunk!). I thought it was just a bad dream until I began to feel the pain on my arms, knees and tummy side. I did not shout, shake, cry or feel my heart beating fast. I was still normal. I saw my wounds bleeding and thoughts were rushing in my mind. One was, I needed to get to the office as quickly as I can as I no longer have my company ID and proximity, otherwise I’ll be late and my supervisor won’t be convinced that I really made it on time. Could you imagine I was still thinking about my work! Not to mention, I’ve been maintaining my perfect attendance record since January of 2008 – no absences, leaves or tardiness! Second thought was, I needed to run away and take the hidden short cuts to get to the office else the robbers might think of coming back and kill me. They can afford to have a very nice car, they can afford carrying guns for their self-defense considering the kind of “job” that they have! Another thought was – I needed to get to the clinic in the office for first aid. I could feel the wounds bleeding and stinging. Yes, I managed to run and put my jacket on to hide my wounds still thanking God because I am alive and whole. Before, I just get to watch similar incidents on TV. I could not believe it happened to me! But thank God I am alive! I was not kidnapped, raped, shot, stabbed or killed (take note for those who heard a different story), which actually happens in this city and reported on the news. It could have been worse so I should still be thankful. While running, I’ve also thought of Angelina Jolie in her latest movie that I watched – Wanted. I wondered why movie actors and actresses don’t get bruises and wounds from doing stunts like what I got! :-)
Anyway, so I was given first aid and the news spread quickly in the office and in my neighborhood. It did not feel good that I became instantly popular (also thought of putting my name on the Walk of Fame here in Eastwood City). I did not cry but could still smile, laugh and crack jokes but I knew it will surely sink in once I’m alone. So I thought I should be with my family immediately. True enough, it did occur to me when I was in the hospital when the nurses were trying to peel away the dirty gauze from my skin to cleanse the wounds. And it occurred again the next day when I was home and I began to feel the pain that was getting worse every minute. I could hardly move. I knew exactly now how it feels to be disabled, invalid and inutile and I did not like it. I could not get up from bed by myself or even lift a glass of water. Every part of my body was painful. Insects were following my wounds despite constant cleansing. I could not help but cry because of the physical and emotional pain. I felt I was violated and disrespected. I was disabled yet I knew it was only temporary. It was painful but I never questioned God why it happened to me because it can happen to anyone no matter how careful we are. Thank God it did not happen to any family member or friends.
Now I’m slowly recovering from both physical and emotional scars. After that horrible experience, I still thank God for everything especially my life with Him, my family and friends. I still believe that because of Him, life is beautiful and that will never change.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)