Hello Readers,
Before coming to the main context of this post, please allow me to thank the Inleo Calendar prompt initiative for creating such unique topics every day to write posts about. It is really helping me and many other writers discover their writing potential while exploring unique and untouched genres. when I looked for today’s topic to start brainstorming which is to share about your riding experiences or memorable road trips, I remembered the most terrible phase of my life and decided to write about and share with all of you. In the following post, I will be sharing about a serious road accident that I met back in 2020 that changed my life completely and it may be disturbing to read for some of you. So please skip reading if you don't like reading about such things.
Since I was a kid, I always loved bikes and it has become a dream for me to one day have a nice looking powerful motorcycle and go on long rides and explore the world on 2 wheels. The thrill of riding while feeling the wind in my hair—it was a wild dream I clung to. But while growing up and leaving my teen phase, my family couldn’t afford to buy me a bike so I decided to save money when I started earning and buy a bike for myself one day soon. That dream had to wait for a while as I was still in college and after passing college, I also struggled a lot to find a decent job, while watching all my friends riding and going for long trips with a longing in my heart.
Years later, in 2018 I joined a platform called Hive, but old ones of you know back then it was known as Steemit. Thanks to Hive, It was a turning point for me as I was finally earning something for my contributions and my purse was not empty for the first time in my life. After years of hard work, mostly through writing blogs and playing NFT games like Splinterlands and Axie Infinity, I finally reached a point where I was financially stable. In 2020, with my earnings, I bought my first bike on installment using my own earned money from Hive and it was a decent 150 CC bike called Bajaj Pulser. It felt like a dream come true, a moment of pure joy that I had been waiting for my entire life.
But life had a different plan for me.
Just 15 days after getting my bike, I went on a night ride with my friends. We took a route I would never been on before. In my excitement, I made a wrong decision and started speeding out of thrill. It was exhilarating, the rush of adrenaline making me feel invincible and the feeling was so attractive and new that I just continued until a sharp U-turn appeared out of nowhere. As expected, for being an inexperienced rider, I panicked and didn’t brake properly and thus lost control.
In an instant, I crashed into a nearby bridge pillar. Everything happened within a blink of an eye and the impact was severe. I immediately realized that my whole right side was badly injured - several bones sticking out of my right foot and my leg and hand bones were shattered in multiple places. For the first five minutes, I didn't actually feel anything but then The pain was beyond anything I would ever feel. I can still remember every detail of that night, the cold sweat, the overwhelming fear and the blinding pain.
Thankfully, a police patrol car was nearby. They rushed to help me, but my injuries were so severe that they struggled even to lift me in their car. My leg was like a piece of boneless meat that we’re struggling which part to hold. I was screaming in pain but somehow managed to stay conscious the whole time and bite my teeth while enduring the pain. The journey to the hospital was a blur, filled with sirens and searing pain.
The following year was a nightmare. After dressing the wounds and removing the dirt and foreign particles which was extremely painful, I underwent three major surgeries and spent 18 days in hospital, including the first 3 days in ICU on ventilation because I had lost so much blood already. Before the operations, I was given 6 bottles of blood and then, 3 Metal plates and several metal sticks were put in my right leg and arm. The second toe on my right foot had to be amputated because it had lost the nerve. The recovery was long and painful, filled with endless exercises just to be able to walk again. Even now, walking is painful for me and I might need another surgery to fix the thickened skin on the lower portion of my foot.
Despite all this, I still consider myself lucky as the crash could have easily been fatal and cost my life. Luckily, I didn’t suffer any brain or chest injuries, which could have killed me instantly. Every day I wake up, I am grateful for the second chance I have been given, but it came at a great cost and a life lesson.
Responsibilities
When Riding This unforgettable experience taught me a hard lesson about responsibility. The thrill of speed is not worth risking your life and here are some key responsibilities every rider should remember.
Always Wear Protective Gear
Helmets, gloves and appropriate clothing can save your life and reduce injuries in case of an accident. I didn't have those on me that night or I would have been affected much less by the accident.
Know Your Limits
Don’t push yourself beyond your skill level, especially when involved in doing anything risky, such as bike riding. If you are new to riding, take it slow and gain experience first before attempting high speeds or difficult maneuvers.
Obey Traffic Rules
They exist for your safety and the safety of others. Do not ignore speed limits, traffic signals or road signs for any reason.
Stay Sober
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your reaction time and judgment are crucial when riding and even a mili-seconds of delay sometimes can lead to tragic outcomes.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always be mindful of other vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. It is always wise to anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to react.
Maintain Your Bike
Regularly check your bike’s condition and ensure the quality and condition of brakes, tires, Lubes and lights are functioning properly. A well-maintained bike is always safer to ride.
Take Breaks
Long rides can be exhausting. Always try to take regular breaks to rest and stay alert and also keep a calm and cool mind.
Riding a bike can be an exhilarating experience, but it does come with great responsibility as well. My accident was a harsh reminder that safety should always come first. One bike ride changed my whole life and needlessly said, It is a miracle I am still here. I am grateful for this second life and every step I can take and would urge you all to always ride safely and responsibly. Do not ever let the thrill control your actions and control your emotions while Driving or riding.
