CRASH BOOM BANG

Damn fucked up day.

I was involved in a freak accident this morning. I was at the traffic lights at the Kepong-Selayang bypass, when the police traffic on duty gave us the sign to go. I was following a white Nissan slowly and making a right turn. Out of a sudden, I saw things flying in the air. I was shocked and stepped on the brakes. But it was too late. I hit the Nissan on its rear.

I was furious because of the emergency brake and then stepped out of the car. To my horror, there was a motorcyclist lying in a pool of his own blood. We parked our cars at the side of the road and realized there were 6 vehicles involved in the piled up. One jeep, two cars and three motorcycles. And my car was the 6th vehicle.

I learnt that the motorcyclist hit the Mitsubishi Jeep and then, skidded and glided on the slippery road. The other two motorcyclists avoided the motorcyclist who fell in front of them and they too, skidded and glided to the road side.

It was a lucky thing that the white Nissan did not go fast, or else, it would go over the motorcyclist who was already on the road. It was drizzling, hence contribute to the wet and slippery road. And thank God, that the Nissan did not hit the Mitsubishi.

A pick up stopped and lent a helping hand. A group of people helped to carry the injured man in his early 20s into the back of the pick up and he was sent to Selayang Hospital.

The first person I called was Ed. Silly me. Shouldn’t have made him worry. Actually I should call my insurance agent first! I told Ed about the accident and asked him not to worry. And then I called my insurance boss, Ms Ng. In less than 15 minutes, the tow truck came to tow away my car, and Tambi, the tow truck driver took me to the police station.

As we passed by the police compound, we saw a few vehicles crashed beyond recognition and Tambi told me, all these were being cut open by the Fireman and usually, the drivers would have passed on. I could still see blood stains on the seats. It was a gruesome sight.

Then, while waiting for Tambi’s boss to come, I packed my stuffs in a box and offered Tambi a candy. Yes – I remained calm and cool. Ah Ping, a man with slit eyes and small mouth, came and took me into to the police station to file a report.

When I was there, the 4 people involved in the accident were still waiting for their turns to lodge a police report. It was then, the phone rang.

Officer #1: Yeah? Ah? Yeah.

Hang up the phone.

Officer #1: Itu budak sudah meninggal. (Malay: The kiddo died)

I was shocked. Nobody seemed to have heard him as they were busy trying to lodge a police report.

I asked Ah Ping, “The boy died??”

Ah Ping said he didn’t hear. Everyone was so busy making a police report while I made mine as well.

I was impressed that the police station now is equipped with flat screen computers. I thought I would have to make report next to a clerk typing away on a typewriter. In less than 10 minutes, my report is out. With no fuss.

Then, I was sent to the waiting room to make another report. I just don’t understand the system but anyhow, it was good to have Ah Ping with me.

The whole group of 5 people involved in the accident was there, and it was then, Ah Ping came in and told them, the boy died. Everyone was shocked. Then the stories were repeated again and again – like a broken record.

I bumped into an ex colleague in the police station. He was also involved in an accident somewhere near Templer’s Park. What a coincidence. Shit. I really cannot owe people money, even in the police station, I tend to bump into somebody that I know. Sigh.

Ah Ping brought me into the inspector’s room immediately. The Inspector, who had a bad flu, asked me what’s my father’s name. I really don’t understand the relevance of my father’s name to this case, but I gave it to him anyway.

In less than 1 hour, I was out from the police station. Thanks to Ah Ping for knowing the ropes in the police station well. I guess it is good to have a person who knows what he is doing.

My chest hit the steering wheel and now I am in a bit of pain. Imagine if I don't use the seat belt.

I thank God that even though my Kenari is crashed beyond recognition on the front, I am still in one piece.

I would be going without wheels for 2 weeks as the damage was quite substantial.. (Hint: This is a good time to date me for dinner and send me home (my home, that is!) - Heh)

The next thing I did after lodging a police report was to go back to my class – I took 4 days leave since last Thursday to attend Financial Planning Course in my insurance training centre. But I was in no mood to even listen to the course.

Thank goodness I have a bunch of friends who would gimme a lift to the training centre tomorrow.. and to work on Wednesday. Thanks, Ann.

Tips to adhere to when you are involved in an accident:

1. Don’t panic.
2. Park your car to the side and put on emergency double signal.
3. Make sure you have your tow truck number at hand or insurance agent’s number/ be a member of AAM.
4. If people approach you to tow your car, etc, ignore him. Only trust your own tow truckers.
5. Take down vehicles number plates. This round, I took 5 numbers!
6. Put a box in your car to pack your things in case of emergency. I have a box behind, not for this purpose, though. But it comes in handy. (Fuck. I remember I left my favorite Norah Jones' CD in the stereo!!)
7. It is good to know the right people – they could help in times of distress. I am glad I came to know my insurance boss personally.
8. It is good to have photocopies of Insurance policy car cover note, vehicle registration card, HP Agreement, Driver's/Owner's driving license and IC handy - keep in an envelop so when shit happens, you don't have to search high and low for it.

As for the motorcyclist who passed away, I hope his soul rest in peace and he had bought enough insurance to help his dependents to survive on.

Let this serve as a reminder to us to be careful on the road, and not to even think that we are invincible. Accidents happen when you least expected it.