The Panda ponders

I was trying to puzzle out why my van had suddenly attached itself to an Auckland Motorway work truck, when there was a tap on my driver’s side window.

“Are you alright mate,” said a somewhat anxious voice

Err ....yeah ....I think so” I replied not too convincingly.

Fortunately I was in a position to turn my van’s engine off as I had flashbacks of a movie I saw a day or two before where this car burst into flames, after a spectacular crush. I had no desire to depart this world as crispy bacon. I also managed to wind down my window which made it easier for my rescuers to shove me back in my wheelchair.

Once back in my comfy zone my head, complete with bloodied nose, slowly unravelled the events of the last five minutes.

I remember heading south to Pukekohe. I was stuck behind a huge Kenworth type vehicle in the middle lane so I decided to switch to the fast lane ---which is where I belong anyway!!

Once in the fast lane I saw looming on the horizon the work vehicle upgrading the road. I slowed down to a complete stop and waited till there was a gap in the traffic to pull out into the other lane, so that I could resume my journey. Unfortunately the guy behind me failed to stop and ploughed into the back of me.

Even in my dazed state I was most impressed with all the emergency services who took my unusual driving system - I actual drive from my wheelchair secured by a locking system - in their stride. The lady cop involved me in the decision making from the beginning. We all decided it was best for me to be checked over at the hospital and so the motorway workmen heaved me and my wheelchair out of the van’s side door. And that is not an easy thing to do as my motorised chariot weights a ton. The two lady ambulance personnel had no trouble handling a big burly chap like me as they shifted me onto a stretcher at the accident scene and onto a bed at Middlemore Hospital.

The result of my check up is that I’m mildly concussed which leaves me feeling even more dizzy than usual and the proud owner of two beaut black eyes which has given me a strange resemblance to a Panda. Oh yes my van is somewhat worse for wear but fixable thank goodness.

But honestly what some people do for excitement.

Floody

Ross Flood- Editor
55 Hillside Road
Papatoetoe
Auckland
Phone/Fax (including answer phone) (09) 278-7106
Email Ross Flood

© Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand 1984 - 2008