What would Malaysians do at an accident scene? Typically you would see people slow down to see what's happening before zooming off. You'd get a jam on the road, followed by a sudden clear road in front of you after the accident scene. Malaysians like to see what's happening, but not do anything. I've also heard people ask to see the license numbers... so they can buy the numbers at their local number gambling shops.
On Monday, I had an encounter. I had a busy day ahead of me and I had just finished some business in Putrajaya and was going back to PJ. It was a frustrating morning as I had travelled from PJ to Shah Alam to Putrajaya to sort out my case. Long story...
Anyway, after sort of settling my case in Putrajaya, I was rushing to get back to PJ to settle the rest of the things I had to settle on that Monday where I had taken leave.
As I approached the Cyberjaya flyover, I noticed this car facing me on my side of the road! I was thinking, either he had spun to face me or he had come across the divider into my road. Whatever it was, I was ready to just avoid the car and carry on with my journey. As I slowed down and past the car, I realised the driver was still in the car. So I stopped my car a little further down and got out to check it out. Another MPV had also stopped. As I approached the car, I saw a man in the driver's seat. I opened the door and helped him out as he was dazed and in shock. The car had it's front axle broken where it connects to the wheel from the impact of the accident. The car had probably gone across the divider and got damaged in the process.
Seeing the other couple there, I was actually reluctant to help at first, given my busy schedule and the frustrating morning I had had. I thought they could take care of it. But I knew God wanted me to help. I asked myself, what would I like others to do if I were in the position. During this time, many cars had squeezed past the damaged car and went off without offering any help despite seeing the scene.
The driver was clearly not able to take care of himself. He was shivering, not able to think straight and couldn't remember what had happened. Symptoms of shock. The other couple tried to contact people with his handphone but to no avail. I said we should take him to the hospital as we didn't know if he was hurt and he continued to be in shock. So the couple said the nearest hospital was in Putrajaya.
As they had a large MPV, I thought it would be better for them to transport him as they would have space and he could lie in the recovery position to the hospital. Instead, the lady said that she couldn't because she stuff from the market in the back seat. "Benda-benda dari pasar" were her words. So the other couple left the scene, claiming that they had bought stuff from the market and they had to take care of that. I might be judging, but are things from the market are more important than sending someone to the hospital?
Anyway, I tried to make him comfortable in my small car and took him to the hospital. I checked him into the emergency ward. He was drifting in and out of consciousness while in my car, so I drove fast. When I reached the hospital I offered to give my number and any other info, but the hospital said they would take care of things.
So I left the hospital after some time. However, what scared me was that if we're not careful, I myself might have just left him there on the road. I might have just driven past, with the excuse (like everyone else) of my busy schedule, or my own plans, or just plain apathy (tidak apa attitude). I fear I will become so "civilised" that I become disconnected from everyone else. In hindsight it's easy to say I'd do what I did or more, but at that moment, it's not as easy at it sounds. I think it's easy for me to be a spectator, but to be a participant... that takes more.
