Babbles
Taken aback.
Beertje86Guest ·
Hi everyone,
I really need to get this off my chest and couldn't call anyone.
Yesterday, while I was on my way to visit my son, I saw a car in the ditch. He had missed the exit. It looked like it had come to a halt against the trees. The lights weren't on, and I don't think the engine was running either.
At first, I thought he had abandoned it and left it there. I couldn't stop in time. I called 112 and reported it. It had already been reported, and the police were on their way.
I really thought he had been left behind. Still, it doesn't sit right with me that my reaction wasn't to stop and check immediately.
Now it turns out there's a seriously injured man inside. I feel so sad right now. Although I know that at that moment I didn't think or act any differently, and it wasn't safe to walk back down to the exit. It was dark and foggy. After me, other cars also drove past. It's terrible, really.
I'm upset with myself, with my first reaction. Even though I did call 112. I wish I had acted differently and could have helped that man. Even if it was just to not leave him alone.
I didn't see the accident happen and quickly doubted my first thought. The windows weren't fogged up, after all.
I really need to get this off my chest and couldn't call anyone.
Yesterday, while I was on my way to visit my son, I saw a car in the ditch. He had missed the exit. It looked like it had come to a halt against the trees. The lights weren't on, and I don't think the engine was running either.
At first, I thought he had abandoned it and left it there. I couldn't stop in time. I called 112 and reported it. It had already been reported, and the police were on their way.
I really thought he had been left behind. Still, it doesn't sit right with me that my reaction wasn't to stop and check immediately.
Now it turns out there's a seriously injured man inside. I feel so sad right now. Although I know that at that moment I didn't think or act any differently, and it wasn't safe to walk back down to the exit. It was dark and foggy. After me, other cars also drove past. It's terrible, really.
I'm upset with myself, with my first reaction. Even though I did call 112. I wish I had acted differently and could have helped that man. Even if it was just to not leave him alone.
I didn't see the accident happen and quickly doubted my first thought. The windows weren't fogged up, after all.
Replies
-
Orchidea #2
Hi, dear Beertje86
It's completely understandable that you're shaken up after going through that, but always remember: "Your own safety first." That's truly the most important thing. You mentioned you couldn't stop in time—what if you had tried to stop at all costs and caused even more accidents? Maybe you wouldn't have been able to explain yourself afterward. You really don't need to feel guilty for not stopping and driving on; you acted and did exactly what you could: calling 112.
That person was ultimately helped thanks to YOUR help, because you called 112, so you should be proud of yourself. Try talking about it, but don't start blaming yourself for feeling guilty. -
Anonymous Guest #3
Thanks for your sweet message.
It's more that I'm upset with my instinct/first reaction. Oh, that one was left behind. Soon after, something started gnawing at me, and I felt bad that I hadn't stopped.
I know that my safety comes first and that I acted well given the circumstances. Still, I'm sad about it. Head and heart. Pfff, why are they so often at odds, especially with things like this?
My husband will be home in an hour; hopefully, I can talk it through with him then. I still have to give a training session tonight. -
♡ Ilona ♡ #4
You did what you could
-
Denise Kerber #5
That's so intense!!! Your feelings probably come from being really startled and now thinking you didn't act correctly. Personally, I think you're a real hero! You took immediate action and called 112. If you had stopped yourself, you wouldn't have been able to help this man, and you might have called emergency services later. Don't feel guilty; you really did the right thing. -
Anoniem Guest #6
I’ve also seen an accident that had just happened, so I didn’t actually see it happen. I was walking around the corner and then there it was: a car on its roof in the street. No one was around yet. I found it the most surreal thing I’ve ever experienced. Because you expect chaos at an accident, and signs that something’s wrong. For me, there was a deathly silence, just that car lying on its roof. Which of course I could tell meant things weren’t good. Since I was on foot, I could walk past it, and after 1, 2, 3 seconds, the chaos started too. People started screaming, calling 1-1-2, running toward the car. But it’s not crazy that you might drive past instead of walking, especially if it’s dark and foggy, and you make a different judgment in that one second. It’s not even about logic, feeling, or instinct. It’s an assessment you don’t consciously make. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You did the right thing.
-
Beertje86 started this #7
Thank you for your kind messages.
I’ve found peace again. I also know that I did the right thing. I couldn’t have done anything differently at that moment.
You’re absolutely right. Hopefully, everything turns out okay for that man.
That does seem bizarre, doesn’t it? You turn a corner and there’s a car upside down.
Thanks again!
Add your reply
Share what helped you, or ask a question.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Continue with GoogleTakes a moment. You’ll come straight back here to reply.