1 Sturdy Helmet saved 2 lives.

 

October the 16th, 2019 the day I can never forget. I found myself teetering on the edge of death until something miraculous intervened, granting me a fresh lease of life. That morning, I made a routine trip to the nearby canteen to pick up some household items. Even today it sends jitters down my spine when I think how close I came to skip wearing my helmet that day. After all, it was just a short ride, barely a kilometer from home. It seemed unnecessary for such a quick errand, and I almost convinced myself to leave it behind. But something compelled me from within to put on the helmet.   

On the way back, with my mother riding pillion, our lives took an unexpected turn. Out of nowhere, a speeding car crashed into the back of our bike, and suddenly, everything went dark. The impact was devastating; the car struck us and dragged me along the road, trapping me beneath its weight. Amidst the chaos, I remained conscious, painfully aware of being mercilessly dragged under the car. The driver, a young girl, seemed paralyzed with panic, unsure of what to do as I lay trapped beneath her vehicle. Fortunately, bystanders rushed to our aid, about ten to twelve of them pushing the car aside and lifting it off me. When I regained consciousness, darkness surrounded me, and a deep sense of dread washed over me. I feared the worst, knowing the severity of the accident. The thought that my mother, who had been by my side moments before, might have perished haunted me. It felt as though only a miracle could spare us from the brink of death. Tears streamed down my face as I grappled with the devastating possibility of losing my mother. Despite the protection my helmet provided, my injuries were severe, and survival seemed unlikely. My heart sank as I realized my mother hadn't been wearing a helmet. The odds of her surviving such a horrific accident felt impossibly slim. As the weight of the car bore down on my helmet, shielding my head from the worst of the impact, I knew I was badly injured. Miraculously, my mother's smaller stature afforded her some protection under my body, yet she still suffered numerous injuries. As I lay there, praying for a miracle, I couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of loss and despair. Those around me warned against closing my eyes, fearing it could lead to a coma or worse. Instead, they urged me to stay conscious until they could transport me to the nearby hospital. Thankfully, luck was on our side, and the hospital was conveniently located. Within minutes, they rushed me to the hospital, where doctors promptly attended to my injuries. Seeing my mother alive and well brought immense relief. After some time, I reached out to relatives and friends for support. 

The fact that I was wearing a sturdy helmet undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving my life that day. I am grateful for this second chance and hope that my mother had been wearing a helmet to avoid sustaining such serious injuries. Had I not worn a helmet at that moment, I wouldn't be here today sharing this harrowing tale. It was a single helmet, a STEEL BIRD helmet bearing the reputable ISI mark, that made all the difference. Its quality saved my life, fulfilling its intended purpose. Many people opt for low-quality helmets purchased hastily from roadside vendors, simply to evade traffic fines. What they fail to realize is the potential consequences of such a decision. The same fate that befell me could easily befall anyone else. Without a second chance, they may not be as fortunate, tragically losing their lives. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of investing in reliable safety equipment, as it can truly make the difference between life and death.

Most people often neglect carrying helmets for pillion riders as there seems to be little incentive, since helmets aren't typically secured on bikes. However, if there were regulations requiring helmets to be secured for both rider and pillion, more individuals would likely adhere to helmet usage. This simple measure could significantly reduce fatalities in accidents. Additionally, it's imperative to use only branded helmets with ISI certification, ensuring they serve their intended purpose effectively.   I am currently alive, but it took me 6-7 months to recover. My skin was severely damaged by the heat of a car engine, and my body required extensive time to heal from internal injuries. Additionally, my shoulder is completely cracked, requiring more than 20 stitches throughout my body. A large metal plate has been inserted on my collarbone to aid in the healing process.  

Furthermore, in this particular incident, the fault primarily lay with the car driver, who was driving recklessly and collided with me. The issue is compounded by the lax regulations surrounding the issuance of driving licenses in India, which allow individuals to drive without proper assessment of their competence, contributing to such accidents on a regular basis.   Following the accident, I promptly reported the incident to the police station, filed an FIR against the driver, and pursued the matter through official channels. Unfortunately, as is often the case in India, the prevalence of corruption hindered any meaningful progress in the investigation. Despite my efforts to escalate the matter to higher authorities, the case was eventually closed without resolution. While disheartening, I hope that sharing my experience will raise awareness and prompt others to prioritize safety on the roads.

--by Ashish kumar , full stack python developer.