DAYS iN & OUT: Oh, Shit! The Death of Ruby…

Today had been going pretty well: I’d signed some legal documents that I’d been procrastinating over for a while, and had them witnessed. I also did a delivery shift. And, best of all, I’d cooked a paella, to give Teresa a night or two off cooking chores.

Teresa and I communicated via WhatsApp to arrange that I’d collect her from the train station. But, en-route to pick her up, I was involved in a three car collision, at a pedestrian crossing. It happened so quickly – I stabbed at the brakes, and my foot slipped off the pedal – it was over in seconds.

And I immediately went into shock. The airbags had gone off in my face. That weird smell they are said to have… well, now I know what people are on about. There was also a high pitched noise, following immediately upon impact. I didn’t know if it was inside my head, or coming from the car!?

Reflecting on it all now, and the layout of the road/position of the cars, I’m assuming that the first car stopped at the pedestrian crossing, causing the second car to brake suddenly. By the time I’d spotted this and reacted – especially with my foot slipping off the pedal – it was too late.

I got a call from one of the other drivers’ insurance firms, looking for my version of events. I was in the bath, trying to come down from the shock effects. I told them it wasn’t the best time to talk!

I have to count my lucky stars I wasn’t injured. At least, I hope I’m not hurt? I don’t feel any pain anywhere? Considering the state Ruby wound up in; her front end all crunched up, engine dead, etc, I’m relieved and surprised.

The trouble with this sort of event – how it happens in a split second, and the effects of shock, etc. – is that it all becomes a blur: I know my foot slipped off the brake pedal; did it also land on the accelerator?

Who was at fault? I should’ve been able to stop in time. Had my foot not slipped, would I have? Was the force of the impact caused by my right foot thumping down, accidentally, on the accelerator? Or just due to my basic speed, when I saw the car in front braking?

I was breathalysed at the scene, by a police man. The picture above is the result. I’m glad I’m tee-total these days.

I just hope I can get the car recovered/disposed of quickly and easily, and a new car, ASAP. As my day to day livelihood with Amazon depends on having working wheels.