Tragic car crash alters family’s future

Road accidents, whether fatal or not, have a profound impact on individuals, the environment, and society as a whole, particularly when they involve loss of life. Such incidents bring about inevitable changes, disrupting the normal course of things.

I recently received an unexpected phone call from my cousin’s brother, Paul, who usually communicates with me through WhatsApp. Sensing that this call would bring unusual news, I answered nervously, suspecting it might be about his father, the only remaining sibling of my late mother. However, Paul calmly informed me that his elder brother, Eddie, had been in a car crash in Niah and tragically lost his life. I was left speechless by the shocking and sudden news. This event significantly impacted my family’s plans for Malaysia Day and the days that followed, necessitating careful calculations and adjustments.

For the immediate family of the deceased, this was their first experience of death in their Piasau Phase II home, where I used to stay during my visits to Miri. Eddie, affectionately known as Dom, was my constant companion during those visits. I can only imagine the profound changes and challenges this loss brought, especially for my frail uncle and aunt, who are regular patients at Miri Hospital and other healthcare facilities.

Dom’s untimely demise dealt a severe blow to the family, as he was a primary breadwinner along with Paul. They are not financially well-off, and my uncle, who retired from Sarawak Shell Berhad at 55 in 1988, has depleted his resources. Now, Paul bears the responsibility of supporting the family, with some assistance from Dom’s two working sons. Adjustments in spending and expenses have become necessary.

Having previously experienced the tragedy of a fatal accident that claimed the lives of my daughter and niece, I can relate to the challenges and difficulties faced by the bereaved family. Due to my injuries and subsequent treatment, I was unable to participate in important matters such as funerals, police reports, and insurance claims until I fully recovered. My wife, who was also injured in the accident but to a lesser extent, had to balance her recovery with the responsibilities related to our daughter’s funeral.

Various family members played a significant role in organizing the funerals, which took place at two different locations: my longhouse in Kedap, Saratok for my daughter and my brother-in-law’s longhouse in Bawang Assan, Sibu for my niece. We had to adapt to the sudden changes and engage legal counsel to handle legal matters, including court hearings and claims. Fortunately, my wife and I were served with subpoenas to act as prosecution witnesses.

In 1997, seven years after the accident, I had to travel from Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam to Sibu for a court hearing as a witness. However, the other party pleaded guilty to reckless driving and causing death, resulting in a relatively lenient sentence of two weeks’ imprisonment and a fine of RM4000. It is disheartening to think about how cheaply two lives were valued. Although the penalty for such offences has since increased, the courts rarely impose the maximum punishment.

In 2001, due to a reckless act influenced by alcohol, I had another serious road incident in Bandar Seri Begawan. I drove against the traffic flow and collided with a gate. I ended up losing my expensive Daewoo Racer II and spending two nights in the hospital. Fortunately, I was covered by insurance, and the bill was settled by Brunei Press. I had to deposit a bond with the police, and the case remained pending even after I left Brunei in 2002 due to my father’s critical illness. These events had a significant impact on my life, leading to regular reporting to the police station and frequent trips to Brunei for pass renewal.

On the eve of Gawai in 2017, I was involved in another accident in Kuching, where I rear-ended a new Axia. I had to settle the matter out of court, paying for the repairs to the Axia as well as my vehicle. Dealing with demanding calls and relying on public transportation while awaiting repairs added to the inconvenience. Despite the sympathetic support from my family, who understood the circumstances surrounding the accident, I realized the importance of vigilance on the road and the potential consequences of one’s actions.

In conclusion, road accidents bring significant changes and challenges to the lives of those affected. It is crucial to remember that everyone is vulnerable on the road and to exercise utmost care and caution to prevent mishaps.

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.