WARNING: This article could save someone’s life!
While I’ve laughed at Bette Davis’s famous quote: “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night!”, I’ve been truly careless when it comes to the use of seat belts. As a baby boomer, the logic goes, “Well, I’ve lived thirty-two years without a seat belt and never had an accident. I used to curl up in the back window of the folks Plymouth when I was a kid. What’s all the fuss about?”
Pause that tape.
We left with high expectations on Wednesday morning. The trip was 1.22 hours long according to Google Maps, but with my lead foot I figured we’d be there in an hour. A leisure lunch with a friend from up North and some antique shopping was on the docket. The sun was shining, traffic was cruising on the five-lane freeway and the three of us had that all’s-right-with-the-world kind of feeling. The conversation jumped from Africa to politics to UCSD extension courses.
The passenger in the front seat was in the midst of discussing her latest class work when she started coughing. As the coughing intensified, she reached in her bag for some water. That didn’t seem to do the trick. Her face was turning red and tears started streaming down her cheeks. Yikes! You know that feeling where you just can’t squelch an involuntary cough?
In an attempt to relieve her discomfort, she unbuckled her seat belt. As the driver, I failed to give it a moment’s notice.
Three seconds later, the traffic at the crest of a hill came to a dead STOP. It was SLAM on the brakes time, veer to the left shoulder and burn a little rubber off those tires. Phew! It’s one of those heart-pounding moments when you can almost hear the crunching sound of hitting the car in front of you. Life goes into slow motion. The kaleidoscope is narrowed to one frame at a time!
Ka-Bam! My beloved friend catapulted forward, slamming her head into the windshield, and her knees into the glove box. My heart stopped and I started to shake. I pushed back the feeling of nausea.
There was no visible damage; however (while she will hate me for saying this), she is an elderly woman. How hard had she hit the windshield? What was her physical condition?
She applied ice to her head and knees as we rode on to San Juan Capistrano. Being the trooper she is there was no complaining on her part, in fact, she refused to talk about it.
But the frivolity of the day had been changed forever. I attempted to block out the “what if’s” in my mind, but they persisted. The potential for severe injury was but one breath away. As the driver, it was MY responsibility to make sure all the passengers were safe. It was a devastating feeling to realize that in a millisecond, someone could have been severely hurt.
I looked up towards the blue, cloudless sky and thanked the angels for this gut-wrenching lesson.
Let us not be maudlin, but the take away lesson is HUGE! Whenever anyone in the car needs to take off their seat belt, I implore you to drive to the shoulder of the road FIRST. It does not matter if you are in a parking lot or on a freeway. One tiny act of carelessness can alter your life forever.
Forget the argument of how many years you’ve lived without using seat belts. In our fast-paced world, a few extra seconds can save a myriad of grief.
Your comments mean a lot to me. Are you ready to buckle up?
February 5th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Thank you angels for keeping my precious cousin and her friends safe.
February 5th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Darlene, I’m just glad everything turned out alright.
But it’s with mixed feelings I read your post, because it’s still less than 14 months since we lost our oldest son, James, on the highway one bitterly cold and foggy night. James was wearing his seatbelt, as he always did. It didn’t save him, but it did mean we were able to have an open casket. That may seem like a small thing, but I know three young ladies and three younger men, including a 10-year-old, who would have been devastated if they couldn’t see their big brother one more time.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling´s last [type] ..I Never Believed Him – Before
February 7th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Willena,
Your story made me cry, my friend. What a horrendous burden you bear! There are no words that could make it better, but if I could, I’d reach out and give you a big hug. You are a powerful lady for moving forward from such a devastating experience.
February 6th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
That is a scarey thing that happened.I have released my seat belt before to reach for something and always tell the driver Be Careful,please! That is a great suggestion,Pull over if someone needs to remove their seat belt,You never know when an incident like yours could happen.Hope she is doing fine!
Beverly Monical´s last [type] ..Baby Bev Has An Announcement!
February 7th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Beverly,
Yes, she is doing well, thanks. Pulling to the side of the road takes a few seconds. It just isn’t worth the risk … life is too fleeting as it is!
February 6th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Yes, I too never wore a seat belt as a kid.
We have had a seat belt law here in British Columbia for so many years now I can’t remember.
However if I had been wearing my seatbelt when I was in a car accident when I was 19 I wouldn’t have fractured my skull. To this day I still pay the price for that careless action.
You are so right Darlene, just take those extra few seconds and “do it!”
February 7th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Carla,
Seat belt laws are in force in California, also. One never thinks that something will happen to them, right?
I’d love to hear your story.
February 7th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Wow! How terrifying! I’m glad that this was a learning opportunity that didn’t come with severe pain and injury attached! Since I became a mother I’ve been a seatbelt user~ this confirms that I need to make sure of it even for short jaunts down the street!
Linda G. Cox@ Multiple Sclerosis´s last [type] ..The One Minute Cure by Madison Cavanaugh
February 7th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Lots of accidents (well over half) occur a short distance from home. We just can’t be too careful!
February 7th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Darlene this is a very important message. I also grew up without seat belts. However in Australia the law enforcement for them has been very effective. There are pretty steep fines for not wearing a seat belt. These apply to a passenger as well as a driver. The driver also loses points and if you lose enough of those you lose your license.
You conveyed the story very well. I was with you in the car and my heart was in my mouth.
Sue
Sue Price´s last [type] ..Start Your Own Small Business
February 7th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Darlene,
I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t been wearing my seatbelt when I was broadsided at 55 miles-an-hour when I was 19. Which means my kids wouldn’t be here, and Don wouldn’t have the best wife in the whole world either!
ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!
XOTerri
February 8th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Terri,
Guess it just took me a lot more years to learn the lesson you got at 19. It’s fun to see you and Don so happy. Love it!
February 9th, 2011 at 11:23 am
A few years ago I got in the habit of wearing the seat belt every time I get in the car. There have been too many near misses. You never know and it’s best to be prepared.
Melodie Kantner´s last [type] ..Enhance Law of Attraction Affirmations With EFT
February 9th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
OMG,that was really scary! I just remembered my mother in law who tripped and bumped her head in the pavement. After the first few hours it was nothing, she said she just needed to rest. That night, we ended up rushing her to ER and she had craniotomy right away! Good thing your friend was ok. Seat belts are really important and must not be taken for granted.
Left Or Right Brained´s last [type] ..Ways To Develop Your Right Brain
February 10th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Hi Darlene,
Great post and so very worthwhile! I’m so accustomed to wearing a seat belt that I actually feel like something is missing if I don’t do so. Even if your are a super driver, you honestly can’t say that about everyone else on the road around you. Their actions are out of your control so as they say ‘an ounce of prevention…”
Love your idea of moving to the shoulder if someone should have to take theirs off for some reason or another. Thanks for this post!
Linnea´s last [type] ..Blog Mastery Award
February 11th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Hey Darlene,
You have really made me take notice of this one! I am old enough to have been around before compulsory seatbelts.
Back in the 60s we had over 1,000 deaths a year on our State roads. Last year it was under 500. I believe there are still as many idiot drivers, but the cars are so much safer now!
In Australia we have been living with compulsory seat belts for a very long time. I will be more conscious about it from now on!
John Gaydon´s last [type] ..A Lesson Well Learnt
February 16th, 2011 at 7:52 am
Interesting post. Seat belts go both ways. I know people who are alive and well today because they were wearing their seat belts. I also know people who are alive today because they were not wearing their seat belts. They were thrown to safety while their car was severely mangled. It’s truly hard to predict what the future holds for us. Thoughtful post, though.
Angela
Angela Arnold´s last [type] ..Internet Marketing Secrets the Gurus Won’t Tell You
February 16th, 2011 at 8:53 am
Excellent write.
Great story.
Yes we need to be mindful at all times.
Thanks for sharing.
February 16th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Hi Darline,
Thank you so much for reminding us to take wearing our seat belts. Oh my goodness, in that second, things could have been very different for your friend – as it happened, it served as a strong warning and could very well save your lives in the future…
Most people I know are very lax about these things – it will never happen to them, right?
Thank you again,
Emma
Emma´s last [type] ..The Burnout!
February 17th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Emma, The attitude that it could never happen to me is exactly the one to avoid. That’s what gets one in trouble every time. Following the “Ground Rules” makes so much more sense.
February 16th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
Hey Dar,
This is a post I very closely related to from beginning to end.
I too used to be blazae about seat belts. It took a couple of fines over the years to make me decide to take them seriously.
I’m now fully aware of their importance. I recently hit a Kangaroo that hopped out in front of me whilst doing 105km’s an hr. After hitting the brakes my car spun out across the other side of the road continuing off the road into the scrub and ended up facing back in the opposite direction.
As you say, the slow motion kicked in and I recall thinking, ‘this is not good’, and wondering where my car was going to finally come to a halt.
My Angels were right beside me this day as I was absolutely uninjured. Unfortunately I couldn’t say the same for my car. However, it could have been a lot worse…..and yes, I had my seat belt on
Thanks for sharing your hair raising experience with us Dar
Stay well.
Toni
Toni King´s last [type] ..Glutathione
February 17th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Toni, Am sooooooo glad you had your seat belt on and escaped injury. A car can be replaced. What a story! Please blog about this for others to share!
February 16th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
You articulated this story so beautifully Dar… I felt like I was right there with you! An experience like that gives us a good understanding of our vulnerability; a valuable lesson on awareness; and the importance of laying down our ground rules so everyone is stress-free and safe at all levels – emotional, physical, intellectual. Big hugs… Loren
Loren´s last [type] ..Building An Online Network Marketing Business
February 17th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Hi dear Friend! Ground rules! I like it! And You are a living example of moving towards a stress-free life. Hug right back at you.
February 17th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Hi Darlene
I’m pleased to hear that your friend is alright! And what about you? How are you doing? What a relief that things weren’t worse! The “what if” scenarios are positively torturous, aren’t they?
I’ve had two accidents where I have no doubt that wearing my seat belt saved me. In the second accident (you’ve read my post about this), I have ABSOLUTELY no doubt that seat belts saved me and my two children.
My first car was a 1968 Toyota Corona that didn’t have seat belts in the back seat. Even though I didn’t have to get belts put in, I chose to because even as an 18 year old, I hated the idea of driving without everyone wearing a belt.
I do not drive without wearing my seat belt, and when I’m a passenger, I always wear a seat belt.
I’m a stickler for seat belts being worn in any vehicle that I’m in, especially when I’m driving because as you’ve mentioned, the driver is responsible for everyone else in the vehicle.
I have adult friends who (at times) don’t wear seat belts, but when they’re with me, I don’t drive until they put their belt on. If they won’t, they can hop out and walk – simple!
In case someone reading your post and the comments thinks that not wearing a seat belt is no big deal, here’s something I feel is worth pointing out (soapbox moment!) …
** Not wearing a seat belt is a potential danger to that person AND it’s also a potential danger for everyone else in the car.
Just one unrestrained passenger could be enough to cause injury (or worse) to anyone else in the vehicle (driver included), and/or have the end result of an accident far worse than it might have been had everyone been buckled up. **
(off soap box now
)
My three children have all gone through stages where they’ve taken off their seat belt when I’ve been driving (I’m acutely aware of the sound of unbuckling and can thank youngest child for that!
).
Every time this happened, I would pull over to the side of the road, get out, buckle up said child, explain to them why this is not okay (1st time offence), growl (for each subsequent breach of “Mum’s Rules for Everyone When Travelling in the Car”), continue driving.
No matter how many times this would happen, I would go through these steps each and every time, regardless of how long it took to get to where we were going … and there was one car trip a few years ago that should have taken an hour, but it ended up taking nearly 1.5 hours because my youngest child kept removing his seat belt! Grrr.
Thankfully, this isn’t an issue anymore with any of the kids! These days, should any of them drop something on the floor while I’m driving, they’ll tell me, then when (or if) I’m able to pull over, I do so they can get whatever it is that they’ve dropped.
Darlene, your post sums up the fact that just because something hasn’t happened up until now, that doesn’t mean that it can’t ever happen.
Life is precious and none of us should take it for granted. While there are no guarantees with life, taking sensible safety precautions are a good step towards being here for a long time, not just a good time.
~ Kylie ~
Kylie Doak´s last [type] ..Do You Believe in Angels
February 19th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Kylie, You’ve set a great example for your children. I wish all parents were as conscientious as you are!
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:54 am
Thanks, Darlene. I hope the kids follow through with these things with their own kids.
February 20th, 2011 at 4:42 am
Hi Darlene,
Using the seat belts is ‘old-school’ these days, but there’s no turning back after death. We must be cautious because the risks are a lot, I never forget to clip my seat belts. We all must be grateful to God and His angels, they will always be there for us no matter what. You had a great luck that no one got hurt that day, really great luck. Thank you for sharing this eye-opening article, excellent article. Keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Maria
Maria Pavel´s last [type] ..Training To Become A Home Health Aide
February 20th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Maria, It was great luck, and I’ll never take it for granted again. Thanks for visiting my blog.
February 20th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I’m with Kylie -
Being consistent (as in ‘the car don’t move unless we’re all strapped in’) every single time we’ve gotten in the car from birth has really made its mark on my kids car riding habits as well.
Even the 4yo squawks when the car starts if his seat belt hasn’t been buckled yet.
And John – who used to feel the way you described and Angela commented – that it didn’t really matter or could go both ways … is a committed seat belt wearer….
Now – why no helmet on a motorcycle makes sense to his brain … to that I say hmmm.
Great post Dar – and love the writing voice that you’ve found
Hugs,
Andrea
Andrea Goodsaid´s last [type] ..30 Day Article Challenge another one of those middle of the night ideas …
February 20th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Thanks, dear friend. Now how can you talk John into wearing a helmet on the cycle? That’s really scary!
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
What’s scary? It is what it is
I saw a quote recently:
“When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future. When I am depressed it is because I am living in the past.”
Isn’t scary a kin to anxious?
Andrea
Andrea Goodsaid´s last [type] ..Building the Avatar – what’s yours look like
February 21st, 2011 at 5:59 pm
It’s with mixed emotions I leave a comment as well. I have a friend that would not be here today if he was wearing the seatbelt. He was tossed to the lower right side of the car as the Drivers side Trunk and bumper was pushed into the steering wheel.
I just hate the idea of legislation that forces us to do something and removes our freedoms.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:00 am
Bill, Thanks for your point of view. It is always smart to look at the other side of the coin. It seems, however, that the statistics err on the side of wearing seat belts?!
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 am
Wow Darlene…I am so glad your friend is ok…as you say, it could have ended so much worse…the Angels were looking over you that day.
This is certainly a valuable lesson to us all. I cannot imagine being in a car without a seat belt, but I have been know to remove it briefly to take off a jacket or reach something in the back of the car. Your suggestion of pulling over before doing that is an excellent one and I will certainly think twice before removing my seatbelt in transit in the future. Thank you for sharing Darlene.
Louise
Louise Steiner´s last [type] ..Online Marketing – Web Page Copywriting In 5 Simple Steps – Part 1
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:58 am
Louise, Accidents happen when we least expect them to. If this saves just one other person from tragedy it will be worth it!
February 24th, 2011 at 10:04 am
I am glad everyone is okay, Darlene. Your story reminds me of one of my vendors at my store. He is 91 years old and he comes by the store every week. He was pulling into the parking lot and the cop pulled him for no seat belt. I have never heard him swear before, but he was mad as fire. He told the cop he had been driving longer than he had been on this earth.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your story.
Jaden
Jaden Daniels´s last [type] ..Couple Of Tips For Setting Up WordPress Blogs
February 24th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Hello Darlene,
It’s funny how we as people refer to the past as an indicator of why and what we did and nothing happened to us. Now we have to wear seat belts or get a ticket or lose your life if you don’t. The past has taught people that if they would have worn their seat belts they may have lived. Just because nothing happened to you doesn’t mean it didn’t happen to someone else. I have been guilty of not wearing a seat belt but now I make sure I do and with 3 kids I have to be an example of the right thing to do. Thanks for your post! Take care
Marlon Acosta´s last [type] ..SnackHealthy a New Approach to Snacking
February 24th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Hi Darlene, that was a powerful story and very well written. I’m glad your friend is ok also!
It definitely shows us not to take life for granted doesn’t it? And it can happen when we are least expecting it.
I will pass this story on Facebook,
Speak soon,
Gavin
February 24th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Yes, Gavin, we should never take life for granted—it is so very fragile!
Nice to see you visit my blog. Thanks for your powerful leadership.
February 27th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Hi Darlene,
I smiled when I read the introduction to this blog on your home page. I can so relate, having had this attitude for so many years!
But your story illustrates why none of us should take anything for granted. When I got my last car (many years ago), I made sure it had an automatic seat belt so I’d be constantly reminded to wear it. Now it’s a habit and I feel funny without a seat belt on — at least in the front seats…. gotta work on the back seat….
I’m so glad your friend is alright. Her guardian angel surely protected her that day.
Pastor Sherry´s last [type] ..What Is God Like Part 1
March 8th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Powerful story Darlene. I’m glad everyone is okay! I was used to not wearing a seat belt. As a kid, we only had seat belts in the front seat … none in the back.
Had I been wearing mine on a drive to work nearly 18 years ago, I would have saved myself a life time of pain and several back surgeries. Since that day, I always wear my seatbelt.
Wendy
Wendy Hewlett´s last [type] ..A Simple Formula for Explosive Growth
March 9th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Whew, Wendy, What an incredibly powerful story you have. Please share it with the world!
March 9th, 2011 at 7:22 am
Hi Darlene,
What a powerful post! I know I sometimes get lazy when running to the store, etc and my husband always says “most accidents happen within 2 miles of home.” I am also reminded of a very good friend that always wore his seat belt and the one time he didn’t, he was in an accident and died. The sad part is if he was wearing his seat belt he would’ve lived.
Such an easy thing to do and yet so many people ignore the warnings.
God Bless,
Trish
Trish Kirby´s last [type] ..How you respond is key
March 9th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Hi Trish,
It is just the little things, right? I’ve been guilty of not wearing my seat belt for short jaunts, but after this experience, that behavior has stopped.
Thanks for visiting my blog
March 18th, 2011 at 7:57 am
A very powerful story Darlene. I’m glad everyone is okey. Everyone should read this story so that all will realize how life is so short and many things may could happen in just a blink of an eye. We must be thankful to God for giving us more time to live.
March 26th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Darelene,
Wow, how scary that must of been! It only takes seconds. Thank goodness she was alright.
I went through a phase of not wearing my seatbelt…before it was the law…I think how crazy that was. Now I can’t even leave the driveway without having it on. If it is not on, I almost feel naked!
Kim
March 27th, 2011 at 8:59 am
It’s usually the little things, isn’t it, Kim!
March 29th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Great post, Darlene! I really appreciate the way you opened up to tell us your story. I think that it is important to remember to look out for one another. This is why I won’t start whatever vehicle I’m driving if I know people aren’t buckled up. I know that there were times when I did some of the things that you talk about in those stories, but I look back and just thank God that those weren’t the times when someone could get into an accident. How is your friend doing?
March 30th, 2011 at 9:59 am
She’s okay, thanks, Steve. That was one major lesson!